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".
This Paterson was produced by Pietta and finished and marketed by Hege in Germany. Hege-marketed Patersons were hand-finished, tuned, and proofed to meet strict European standards and is in great condition. It appears unfired and remains in excellent condition.
This pistol itself is in fantastic condition with only a few minor handling marks from storager. 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 9" barrel is full length. The bore and all the chambers are in excellent condition with perfect rifling and no rust or pitting.
The grips are very good with no damage other than a few minor handling marks.
We've had less than 15 Patersons in more than 15 years. We can't overstate how difficult these guns are to find. Don't wait on this one!
