Included in this lot is an early Civil War manufacture Colt five-shot .36 caliber conversion Model 1862 Police revolver. This very fine example with 3 ½ inch barrel was manufactured during the start of the Civil War in 1861. It bears the serial number 2779 which is matching on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and, cylinder. The Model 1862 was a popular weapon that bridged the gap between the small .31 caliber pocket model Colt and the larger and more cumbersome full size Army and Navy holster revolvers. It made a fine belt revolver or could be carried concealed under a coat. One of the best descriptions of the Colt 1862 Police revolver is presented by Norm Flayderman in his classic work Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms: “The Model 1862 Police is considered by many collectors as the ultimate in streamline design by Colt’s factory in the percussion period. Due to slow sales and the demand for metallic cartridge arms, several thousand of the late production of the Model 1862 Police and the Pocket Navy were converted from percussion to cartridge use.” With only approximately 48,000 of this model in all forms being produced over 150 years ago, surviving examples are scarce, especially in this fine state of preservation and originality. The Model 1862 was made with solid walnut grips and those on this example are exceptional, retaining perfect fit, no chips and showing almost all of the original varnish finish. The mellow brass back strap and trigger guard have never been cleaned or polished and now retain a most attractive and desirable mustard patina. Similarly, the frame, the hammer and rammer have a lovely dark patina showing no signs of color enhancement. The cylinder and barrel show an attractive aged blue patina. All markings are exceptionally clear including the small “36 CAL” stamping on the left rear side of the trigger guard, “Colts Patent” stamping on the left side of the frame and “COLT.’S PT F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U. S.A.” on the barrel top. Stamped on the cylinder is an incredibly detailed stagecoach scene. Mechanically this revolver is tight and functional. The bore is bright and retains fine rifling. Even the tiny conical brass front sight is intact on this rare revolver. The front sights Model 1862 revolvers are usually found broken or missing. A truly excellent example of a .36 caliber conversion Colt revolver that very likely saw service as a personal weapon during the Civil War and later during the violent days of reconstruction and westward expansion. This firearm qualifies as an Antique and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.