Colt's Paterson revolver was literally the gun that "started it all" for one of America's most recognized name in firearms. The brainchild of Samuel Colt, the limited success of the Paterson helped launch Colt's Patent Firearms Co as the pre-eminent designers and manufacturers of single action revolvers of the 19th Century. Original Patersons routinely sell at auction for close to a $1,000,000, which is why Aldo Uberti began reproducing them in the 1980's for collectors and shooters who wanted to experience what its like to own and shoot "the first Colt". However, Uberti would soon discover the same thing that Sam Colt realized nearly 150 years prior: the delicate action of the Paterson required a lot of machining and even more hand fitting; making the replica guns, like the originals, expensive. As a result, both Uberti and subsequently Pietta, who also replicated the Paterson, only produced the gun in limited numbers before discontinuing them in 2008 and 2016 respectively. These limited production runs have made the replica Patersons almost as difficult to obtain as the originals guns. In fact, author Dennis Adler discusses replica Patersons in the Fall 2019 issue of Guns of the Old West Magazine in an article titled "Finding Colt Paterson Reproductions is Just As Hard As Originals".
Of the limited numbers of Patersons produced by Uberti, this particular model, the No.5 Texas Paterson with Loading Lever, is by far the most rare, making up only 10% of the company's very limited production model.
This Paterson is in great condition. It is unfired and in near mint condition (any areas that appear to be rust in photos, is actually dried oil from the Uberti factory). The action is excellent with the trigger folding in place when the hammer is at rest, and dropping down as soon as the hammer is cocked. The action is very crisp and the hammer locks up solid on both full and half cock. The cylinder lock-up is nice and tight and the arbor is solid with no wiggle.
The barrel is full length. The bore and all the chambers are in excellent condition with perfect rifling and no rust or pitting.
The loading lever is intact and functional, and the grips are very good with no damage other than a few minor handling marks from storage.
This is only the third Uberti Texas Paterson we've had in nearly 15 years. We can't overstate how difficult these guns are to find. Don't wait on this one!
