Questions about 1862 Police

[oldcolts]

This Colt 1862 Police came up for sale recently. The serial number dates it to 1862 production. It appears all original, not converted or refinished, and everything seems to work on it as it should.

It has the letter "O" stamped on the butt below the serial number. Can anyone tell me the significance of the "O?"

I'm also wondering where this gun would have been originally shipped to and who would have used it. Is there any way to know anything about this?

I tried to do a little research on the value but don't know enough about these to judge that. Prices seem to be all over the place, from under $1000 to $6000 or more. Can anyone help with a value estimate on this?

Comments and any info appreciated.

 

[necchi]

Contact Colt,
I have seen letters of original manufacture date and shipping destinations from Colt along with old Colts for sale,,

I'm not an estimator so I can't help with value, I've seen originals for sale at local gun shows range from 1200-1600.

 

[Robert an saa fan]

Do not remember what the " O " means on the back strap bottom; old guy brain freeze. Maybe another member will post it.

Colt's Manufacturing Company will be very unlikely to have any shipment/original configuration information on this revolver as records burned up in the factory fire in February 1864. When Colt's does have this information on percussion revolvers it costs $200 - $300 for an archive services letter.

Value based on pictures probably about $900 - $1200. A friend recently sold the same model 1862, made in 1862, in the 11xxx serial number range for $875. It's condition is quite similar to the subject one. Friend's was listed in an on-line auction twice before selling.

If you are buying this and it is an on-line purchase I would suggest being sure to have a three day inspection and return period.

 

[oldcolts]

Thank your for the replies.

I'm wondering how the value of an 1862 conversion compares to an original unaltered 1862, in more or less the same condition. Am I correct in thinking that conversions are worth less?

 

[Zonie]

We don't talk about conversions because they came after the period of time this forum deals with.

That said, "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms...and their values" shows the value for the original and converted 1862 Police to be about the same.