(A) ENGRAVED GOLD WASHED CASED COLT MODEL 1862 THUER CONVERSION POCKET POLICE WITH BOTH CONVERSION

This exceptionally rare revolver is one of the series of Colt percussion revolvers converted to a central fire system designed by F. Alexander Thuer, which was used on six different models of Colt revolvers, totaling only about 5,000 revolvers, between 1869 and 1872. Although the Thuer cartridge was not the first centerfire cartridge produced it represents Colt’s first production center fire revolver. The cartridge has an unusual tapered brass casing with small copper primer and lead bullet that loads into the cylinder from the front. Percussion cylinders were altered by machining away a portion of the rear section and fitting a conversion ring over that extension. The conversion ring has a rebounding firing pin, and a safe mode. Most revolvers converted under the Thuer system had the right edge of their lugs altered to allow loading of the tapered cartridge and are usually accompanied by their interchangeable percussion cylinder, which was one of Colt’s selling points for the conversion. Barrel lug on this revolver was not altered. Gold and silver finished throughout, with 5 - 1/2" round barrel, pin front sight with 1-line barrel address, “COLTS PATENT” on left front side of the frame, and caliber marking on the left rear shoulder of the trigger guard. The serial number is on the four positions: bottom of the frame, barrel lug, trigger guard, and butt strap. All are accompanied by the initials "IP" which indicates that this revolver was factory fitted with ivory grip and factory plated. The Thuer conversion utilizes a Pocket Navy 6-shot cylinder and is numbered to the revolver. The percussion cylinder, also numbered to this revolver, is a fluted 5-shot Model 1862 Police cylinder. Revolver is engraved by L.D. Nimschke with very high quality, arabesque scroll patterns with punch dot background on the frame and up over the recoil shields. The barrel has nearly full coverage matching patterns with Mr. Nimschke’s typical fan pattern at the top of the back strap. Heel of the back strap, butt strap & trigger guard are engraved to match the frame. Thuer cylinder has the stagecoach holdup scene. Percussion cylinder is engraved to match the revolver on the lands between the flutes. Revolver has silver plated brass trigger guard & back strap containing a wonderful one piece ivory grip. Thuer cylinder and conversion ring, hammer, and rammer are gold washed while the remainder of the revolver is silver plated, as is the percussion cylinder. Accompanied by a spectacular rosewood casing with hinged lid and silver mounts that include corner reinforcements, swinging latches, and a mortised lock in the front with 2 functioning keys. Interior is burgundy velvet lined, American style, compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, an original full metal box of 36 caliber Thuer cartridges that has Kraft paper wrapping with orange & black label and appears to be all original, a silver plated 2-cavity bullet mold without sprue cutter that is unmarked, a silver-plated Dixon bag flask, an L-shaped nipple wrench, two sets of Thuer cartridge loading tools, a small Hawksley pewter oiler, an early lacquered tin of Eley Bros. caps with orange label, an ebony bits box containing five spare screws, a packet of Colt’s combustible cartridges, four loose original Thuer cartridges and several lead balls. Bottom of the case is covered with leather. This revolver is pictured in full color with most of the accessories on p. 116 of Fine Colts The Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection by Wilson. On pages 42 and 46 of the March 2000 edition of American Rifleman, R.L. Wilson fully illustrates this revolver and set of accessories as found, except for the reloading tools. He states that this revolver was shipped factory plated with ivory grip and engraved by Nimschke for Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. PROVENANCE: Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection. CONDITION: Revolver is very fine plus. Overall retains most of its original silver finish to barrel, frame, and grips; back strap thinning at high traffic areas, with as much as 30% remaining at the top of the strap. Thuer conversion cylinder, conversion ring, hammer & loading lever retain strong original gold wash. Percussion cylinder appears to be a cleaned bright metal color with some fine pitting and traces of what appears to be gilding in the recesses. Bullet mold and flask retain most of their fine silver plate. Loading tools retain strong blue finish. Cartridge box is sealed in plastic and shows light edge wear with some minor soil on label but appears to be completely intact. Cap tin is very fine. Case is extremely fine with a couple of minor grain checks in lid, otherwise sound and retains virtually all of its brilliant original finish. Interior is equally bright and as new. This is certainly one of the finest Thuer conversion revolvers to be found today. Accessories: Case Barrel Length: 5 - 1/2" Caliber/Bore: .38 Rifled FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Colt Model: 1862 Police Serial Number: 41331