Colt 1862 (I think) Legitimacy/Value

**AHelm3** · September 11th, 2019, 03:32 PM

Just inherited this revolver from my wife's grandfather's estate. Old revolvers like this really aren't my cup of tea, therefore I do not know much about them. From the brief research that I have done, I believe it to be a Colt 1862, manufactured in 1864. But it is also hard to decipher if it is genuine or not. Obviously, the thing is roached and has seen better days. To me, it is still a neat relic that I would like to keep as a discussion piece. I was just curious if any of you out there would have any insight as to whether or not this old revolver is genuine, or a later copy/reproduction, and if there is any value to it, even given the poor condition.

**abner13** · September 11th, 2019, 03:59 PM

Appears to be nickel-plated. Factory? Any evidence of the Colt address on the top of the barrel. Markings on the side of the barrel look like vise jaw marks.

**AHelm3** · September 11th, 2019, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by abner13

Appears to be nickel-plated. Factory? Any evidence of the Colt address on the top of the barrel. Markings on the side of the barrel look like vise jaw marks.

Yeah, the address is there.

**Ecclectic Collector** · September 11th, 2019, 05:20 PM

Looks like an authentic vintage Colt from the cap and ball era to me. Only question is on originality of finish. Nickeled finish wasn't unknown for commercial production. Back in the day it was often preferred due to its resistance to the effects of black powder corrosion.

I think there are specific Colt collector forums out there that would have collectors who could tell you more.

**R L Suehr** · September 11th, 2019, 05:32 PM

Looks legit to me from the markings. As was said above, try asking on a colt forum. You could always try and see if Colt can verify the serial number too, but I don't know how well stuff that old would be cataloged.

**indianjack** · September 12th, 2019, 10:57 AM

Checkout Oldguns.net guy there named Mark who has a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to help. Just e mail him and start a conversation, you'll be glad you did

**Xringshooter** · September 12th, 2019, 03:56 PM

I would join the Colt Forum http://www.coltforum.com/ and post those pictures there. Someone there will be able to tell you about it.

**internet troll** · September 12th, 2019, 04:01 PM

If you find out more elsewhere, please share here. I find this interesting.

**Brick** · September 12th, 2019, 05:50 PM

Ya know what? The hell with its value! Clean it it up as best as you can (don't bother trying to restore it) get a letter showing its origin from Colt and put both in a nice display case for a family keepsake and heirloom.