Here's a great M1862 Colt Police Pocket Conversion in .38 Colt centerfire cartridge. Colt produced roughly 24,000 of these "pocket conversions" between 1873 and 1881; making it there most popular conversion revolver. The term "conversion" is a bit of a misnomer. While it is true that a number of these pistols were converted from finished percussion revolvers, the majority of them were built using new, purpose built frames and cylinders, with later production guns like this one, even using a newly-designed barrel assembly that eliminated all provisions for the percussion lever, giving the gun a sleek, streamlined look.
M1862 Conversion revolvers were offered in a variety of barrel lengths and finishes; as well as both centerfire and rimfire cartridges. This particular example is in excellent condition, and is chambered in .38 Colt rimfire.
This revolver features a beautiful case hardened and blued finish; much of which is still intact. The frame and cylinder are cased hardened, with most of the original finish turning silver colored with vibrant case colors still displayed in the protected areas. The cylinder and barrel feature much of their original blued finish; with much of the barrel bluing turning "plum" while the cylinder retains much of its original vibrant bluing; and a wonderfully crisp cylinder scene. All markings and stamps are wonderfully crisp; including the original ".31/36" caliber marking on the trigger guard - a remnant from the percussion days.
The screw heads feature much of their original "fire bluing", and the back strap and trigger guard retain a majority of their original factory silver plating. The original grips are excellent with no chips or cracks, and an excellent factory-shellacked finish.
Mechanically this revolver is in excellent condition. The hammer locks up well on both full and half cock and the action is nice and smooth. The hammer-mounted firing pin is very good without any peening or damage. The cylinder locks up nice and tight on full cock without excessive wiggle or "play" back and forth. The arbor is nice and tight with no looseness or excessive cylinder gap. The chambers are in good shape with no pitting or rust..
The barrel is full length with its original "post" front sight intact. The bore is very nice with strong rifling and no rust or pitting.
All serial numbers match, including the wedge.
This revolver comes complete with an American-made reproduction fitted walnut case as well as an original screw driver and oil bottle.
