Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this ULTRA SCARCE single-action cap & ball percussion revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt 3rd Generation Signature Series 1862 Trapper!
The 1862 Trapper is one the rarest of the 3rd Generation Signature Series percussion revolver. Including the 1862 Trapper in the Signature Series in 1995 reflects both a historical curiosity and a strategic decision by Lou Imperato to expand the line of revolvers under Colt's name. Despite its limited production, the Trapper has become a notable model in the context of replicas and black powder revolver collecting. Its inclusion in the Signature Series was significant, as it carried the Colt name but was still produced under a licensing agreement with Italian manufacturers like Uberti. While the Trapper itself was not widely adopted in Colt's original run, its place in the Signature Series has helped solidify its status as an interesting and collectible piece for enthusiasts of black powder firearms, especially those seeking rarer, historically inspired models.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 3rd Generation Signature Series 1862 Trapper
Serial: 59295
Date of Manufacture: 1993-2002
Caliber: .36 Caliber
Finish: Blue with Color Case Hardened Frame and Silver Plated Trigger-Guard and Backstrap
Barrel Length: 3 ½" Round
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Single-Action Cap & Ball Percussion Revolver
Markings: Standard / The backstrap is stamped with Sam Colt's signature.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Blackpowder Arms Company's production of the 3rd Generation Signature Series revolvers is a subject of considerable debate among collectors, largely due to its distinct separation from Colt's manufacturing processes. Lou Imperato, who had previously worked with Colt for the 2nd Generation Series, ventured into producing these revolvers under a licensing agreement with Colt, but without direct involvement from Colt itself. This agreement allowed Imperato's Iver Johnson factory to source parts from Italian manufacturers like Uberti and Armi San Marco, which were then assembled and marketed under the Colt name. Despite the use of Colt's brand, Colt Manufacturing made it clear that they had no responsibility for the quality or legality of the revolvers. This disconnection from Colt’s traditional production methods and oversight led to confusion in the market and cast a shadow over the authenticity of these revolvers as true Colts.
Model: 3rd Generation Signature Series 1862 Trapper
Serial: 59295
Date of Manufacture: 1993-2002
Caliber: .36 Caliber
Finish: Blue with Color Case Hardened Frame and Silver Plated Trigger-Guard and Backstrap
Barrel Length: 3 ½" Round
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Single-Action Cap & Ball Percussion Revolver
Markings: Standard / The backstrap is stamped with Sam Colt's signature.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Blackpowder Arms Company's production of the 3rd Generation Signature Series revolvers is a subject of considerable debate among collectors, largely due to its distinct separation from Colt's manufacturing processes. Lou Imperato, who had previously worked with Colt for the 2nd Generation Series, ventured into producing these revolvers under a licensing agreement with Colt, but without direct involvement from Colt itself. This agreement allowed Imperato's Iver Johnson factory to source parts from Italian manufacturers like Uberti and Armi San Marco, which were then assembled and marketed under the Colt name. Despite the use of Colt's brand, Colt Manufacturing made it clear that they had no responsibility for the quality or legality of the revolvers. This disconnection from Colt’s traditional production methods and oversight led to confusion in the market and cast a shadow over the authenticity of these revolvers as true Colts.
The perception of these 3rd Generation revolvers differs significantly from the earlier 2nd Generation models, which are widely accepted by Colt collectors as legitimate Colts. While the 2nd Generation "C" and "F" Series revolvers were produced in cooperation with Colt's oversight and quality control, the 3rd Generation Signature Series was entirely Italian-made and only assembled in the U.S. This distinction has contributed to the 3rd Generation's lesser value among Colt collectors, as they are seen more as replicas than authentic Colt firearms. However, the 3rd Generation revolvers still hold appeal for replica collectors due to their unique historical context, particularly those that feature mismatched parts from Armi San Marco. Despite their controversial status within the Colt collector community, these revolvers remain a notable part of modern black powder revolver history.
In 1995, the addition of the 1862 Trapper to the "Signature Series" further highlighted the unique, albeit controversial, nature of the Colt Blackpowder Arms Company’s production. The 1862 Trapper was a modified version of Colt’s 1862 Pocket Police Model, which saw a reduction in barrel length to 3.5 inches and the removal of the traditional loading lever. A brass ramrod was included in its place to assist with loading. This modification was a nod to Colt’s original design, but it also underscored a shift toward practicality, as the Trapper was intended to be a more compact and easily portable revolver. However, Colt's initial production of the Trapper was limited, with only around fifty units being made, suggesting that the model was considered impractical or otherwise unappealing at the time. Including the 1862 Trapper in the Signature Series in 1995 reflects both a historical curiosity and a strategic decision by Lou Imperato to expand the line of revolvers under Colt's name. Despite its limited production, the Trapper has become a notable model in the context of replicas and black powder revolver collecting. Its inclusion in the Signature Series was significant, as it carried the Colt name but was still produced under a licensing agreement with Italian manufacturers like Uberti. While the Trapper itself was not widely adopted in Colt's original run, its place in the Signature Series has helped solidify its status as an interesting and collectible piece for enthusiasts of black powder firearms, especially those seeking rarer, historically inspired models.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the original grey Colt Signature Series box and all other contents as pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
