I acquired another Paterson a short while ago. It is in a cased set (french fitted) and pretty nice if I do say so myself. I never took it out of the case until last night. The seller called it a 2nd generation Paterson but I don't think they ever made one so I assumed it was a Uberti. I have a real 3rd gen and the finish and detail are considerably nicer than this gun. It looks more like a production Uberti. However there are a couple of points that are confusing.
This gun has the same barrel engraving as the Colt but it is turned 180° from the Colt. The cylinder is stamped COLT. The Colt cylinder is stamped Colts Patent and my Uberti is not stamped anything other than the standard roll engraving. There are no Uberti markings but there is "cal 36 black powder only" under the LL. My Uberti is stamped differently and includes the words "Uberti Italy". The frame is stamped with the obligatory date codes (BA 1991) and proof marks. The Colt is not. The Colts have no case hardening anywhere on them and this gun does.
The thing that puzzles me most is the serial number. It is on the grip strap which is normal for a Uberti, but it is only three digits. #355 I have two Uberti Pats and their serial numbers are longer and preceded by a letter. Did Uberti ever have that small of a serial number? I have a couple of ideas as to this gun's origins, most likely being it was "made" by a gunsmith somewhere. Any of you BP veterans have some ideas?
This gun has the same barrel engraving as the Colt but it is turned 180° from the Colt. The cylinder is stamped COLT. The Colt cylinder is stamped Colts Patent and my Uberti is not stamped anything other than the standard roll engraving. There are no Uberti markings but there is "cal 36 black powder only" under the LL. My Uberti is stamped differently and includes the words "Uberti Italy". The frame is stamped with the obligatory date codes (BA 1991) and proof marks. The Colt is not. The Colts have no case hardening anywhere on them and this gun does.
The thing that puzzles me most is the serial number. It is on the grip strap which is normal for a Uberti, but it is only three digits. #355 I have two Uberti Pats and their serial numbers are longer and preceded by a letter. Did Uberti ever have that small of a serial number? I have a couple of ideas as to this gun's origins, most likely being it was "made" by a gunsmith somewhere. Any of you BP veterans have some ideas?