Colt Paterson Percussion Revolver, No. 3, Belt Model, Serial no. 156, with Case and Accessories by Samuel Colt

Colt Paterson Percussion Revolver, No. 3, Belt Model, Serial no. 156, with Case and Accessories 1813 - 1863

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metal, photography, wood

16_19th-century

metal

sculpture

photography

united-states

wood

armor

Dimensions Revolver (a); L. 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm); L. of barrel 5 1/2 in. (14 cm); Cal. .34 in. (8 mm); extra cylinder (b); L. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); Diam. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); Wt. 4.2 oz. (119.1 g); combination patch, powder and ball cylinder (c); L. 5 3/8 in. (13.6 cm); Diam. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); Wt. 12.2 oz. (345.9 g); bullet mould (d); L. 3 11/16 in. (9.4 cm); W. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); Wt. 2.2 oz. (62.4 g); combination screwdriver and pricker (e); L. 4 11/16 in. (11.9 cm); Wt. 1.7 oz. (48.2 g); percussion cap box (f); L. 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm); Diam. 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm); Wt. 3.1 oz. (87.9 g); cleaning rod (g); L. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm); Wt. 1.1 oz. (31.2 g); case (h); H. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); W. 10 3/8 in. (26.3 cm); D. 7 in. (17.8 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 3.3 oz. (1000.7 g)

Curator: Isn’t that beautiful? This Colt Paterson Percussion Revolver, No. 3, Belt Model, was created between 1813 and 1863 by Samuel Colt. I find it quite striking. Editor: Well, first glance, it seems so… contained. Everything neatly in its place, like a morbid sort of still life in polished wood and cool metal. The velvet lining is just perfect. It’s a case of industrial design meeting luxurious presentation. Curator: Exactly! There’s an inherent beauty to the craftsmanship and the functionality here. To me, it speaks of innovation, ingenuity... and a certain somber poetry. It’s more than just a weapon; it’s a piece of Americana, isn’t it? Editor: Yes, and let’s think about the means. The revolver isn't just metal. It's about the factories, the labor that mass-produced such items, and their broader socio-political impact that rippled throughout the 19th century. Its a potent symbol, no doubt. Curator: I’m glad you mentioned that. Each of these objects - from the gun itself, to the little bullets lined up - they tell a story, don't they? A story of both precision and intent, order and, well, disorder. Does that makes sense? It feels heavy, charged. Editor: Totally. The choice of materials certainly carries meaning. The coldness of the steel in juxtaposition with the warmth of the wooden case. Are we meant to feel a sense of tension? Like a balance between function and a luxurious consumer product? Curator: Absolutely, and even visually. The play of light on the polished surfaces...it invites closer inspection, contemplation even. Its allure almost masks its destructive potential. Editor: Exactly. The polished presentation and perfect wood could be hiding the brutality. Looking at the tools, the careful arrangement – it suggests a reverence, a ritual almost to the business of firearms. Curator: Precisely. I can feel a palpable narrative of power. You could see it that way? I hadn't put it into those exact words. Editor: Yeah, ultimately, though, these are still just materials fashioned with clear social intent, bought and sold in the marketplaces of war and control. Fascinating. Curator: Indeed. It is an intricate dance of art, industry, and... well, American ambition and all the contradictions that came with it. Editor: An indeed potent artifact. Definitely one worth unpacking more slowly.