Manufactured in 1866. The revolver features an extensive, well-executed period New York style engraving consisting of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background, including near full coverage on the loading lever. A wolf head is engraved on the hammer. The back strap is inscribed with the initials "ME." The front strap is inscribed "General M. Escobedo." The barrel has the one-line Hartford address, and the left side of the frame is stamped "COLTS/PATENT." "M.N." is stamped between two cylinder stops. The grip features a relief carved Mexican eagle on the left side. Comes with a partitioned case containing a single eagle face powder flask, "L" combination tool, "COLTS/PATENT" marked bullet mold, Eley percussion cap tin, lead rounds, and package of combustible envelope New Model cartridges. This revolver was featured in the September 1945 Gimbel Brothers Department Store New York catalog. It came from an unnamed famous collection of percussion Colts that was gathered in Mexico in the 1920s and 1930s. The Escobedo 1862 Police is pictured prominently on Plate 1-Number 8 and was listed for the stunning retail price of $349.00 This interesting and important early Colt catalog is included with the revolver. Mariano Escobedo (1826-1902) was a Mexican Army general and statesman. During the Revolution of Ayutla (1 March 1854-12 August 1855), Escobedo fought along side the liberals that toppled the dictatorship of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. In May 1862, he fought in the Battle of Puebla and due to his bravery was promoted to colonel of cavalry. He was later promoted to general, and in 1867 during the Second French Intervention in Mexico, he organized an army corps which fought French invading troops. The French were defeated and Emperor Maximilian and two of his top generals were captured and executed under the command of General Escobedo. General Escobedo served in several political positions in the government including governor of several Mexican states, served as Secretary of War and as President of the Mexican Military Supreme Court. The International Airport in Mexico City is named the General Mariano Escobedo Airport for his prominence in Mexican history. However, the dream of a fully restored Mexican liberal democracy was short lived. General Porfirio Diaz sized power through a coup 1876, and Escobedo was exiled to the United States where he organized an uprising against Diaz. He was unsuccessful as Diaz and his allies ruled Mexico for the next 35 years. Although imprisoned for conspiring against Diaz, Escobedo surprisingly eventually joined the government he once planed to overthrow.

Very good. An area of blue finish remains on the barrel lug and patterns of case colors remain on the frame, otherwise the revolver has a smooth gray patina. The grip straps retain 40% of the silver plating. The engraving is crisp. The grip is fine with typical age cracking on the bottom, minor handling marks and dark yellow aged appearance. The relined case is fine showing minor handling/storage marks and some worn lining. A beautifully engraved Model 1862 Police Revolver inscribed to an impressive Mexican Army general and patriot Mariano Escobedo that will make a great addition to any antique Colt collection.