Colt Holster Model Paterson Revolver No. 5

This early cased five-shot Colt handgun bears serial number 3 and was a presentation firearm specially engraved as a gift to a foreign dignitary.

The Paterson Revolver No. 5 was also known as the "Texas Paterson," and are popularly associated with Jack Hays of the Texas Rangers. About 1,000 were manufactured between 1838 and 1840. These were available with octagonal barrels with lengths ranging between 4 and 12 inches, with 7 1/2 and 9 inches being standard. The trigger on these revolvers folded into the frame when the gun was not cocked. The frame and hammer are casehardened, and other metal parts are blued, and the grips are of varnished walnut.