The historical significance of this extraordinary Colt Model 1839 Paterson Carbine alone makes it worthy of a prominent museum as it is linked to America’s long and turbulent progress towards a more perfect Union. It is definitely the finest and most historic Model 1839 Carbine that we have ever cataloged. The Paterson Carbine pioneered the revolving system during the early efforts in the design and mass production of American firearms. Less than 1,000 were manufactured, and the low survivability rate makes these carbines one of the most sought after Colt percussion arms. The smooth bore barrel has a hinged loading tool attached to the right side of the lug, pin front sight, fixed dovetail rear sight and patent marking with snake and star terminals at each end on the left side. The six shot cylinder has the elaborate roll-engraved panel scenes. Sling swivels are mounted on the underside of the barrel and lower tang. The serial number "711" is found on the lower tang screw, two buttplate screws, trigger guard, breech end of the barrel, breech end of the cylinder, wedge, recoil shield face, and cylinder pin collar. The number "277" is on the buttplate. The select grade America walnut stock is varnished and has an eloquent silver presentation plaque beautifully inset on the right side. The inscription reads, "Presented by/His Excellency Samuel Ward King,/Govr. of the State of Rhode Island/TO/Henry C. Clark/Orderly Sergeant R.I. Carbineers./'As a slight memento of the gratitude of the/State for services rendered during the/late Dorr insurrection'/July 4th 1842." The buttstock’s finish and the bossed lip around the inlaid plaque suggests that the carbine was specially built for presentation. Only 950 Model 1839 Paterson Carbines were manufactured by Samuel Colt at the Paterson, New Jersey, factory. One of the more unusual purchases of the Model 1839 Carbine was made by the State of Rhode Island in June 1842. Known for his central role in the 1842 Dorr's Rebellion, Rhode Island politician and reformer Thomas Wilson Dorr (1805-1854) was the leader of a popular movement for universal manhood suffrage. At this time, Rhode Island was still under colonial law that restricted the vote to men owning $134 in land, leaving a growing number of citizens disenfranchised. A state constitutional convention was called in an attempt to remedy grievances and control Dorr's rising movement, but the new constitution, which provided much of what Dorr and his followers wanted, was defeated. In response, Dorr’s followers drafted their own constitution and government. For a time, Rhode Island had two state governments: one governed by Dorr and the other governed by Samuel King. King declared Dorr’s movement as an insurrection. Martial law was declared, many of Dorr’s followers were imprisoned, and Dorr was indicted for treason. Dorr countered with an attack on the Providence arsenal, which was defeated by the state militia. Dorr subsequently fled the state, and King offered a $5,000 reward for the capture of Dorr. Eventually, a new state constitution extending voting rights was drafted, and once the new constitution was ratified, Dorr surrendered to state authorities. Dorr was found guilty of treason and sentenced to solitary confinement at hard labor for life. His sentence was widely condemned, and he was released from prison after serving twelve months. Today, Rhode Island's state government recognizes the legitimacy of Dorr's efforts and includes Dorr in its list of governors. When King declared martial law, he authorized a temporary expansion of the state’s militia. Rhode Island Company of Carbineers was one of the new formed units. This unit was commanded by prosperous New York merchant James N. Olney and was armed with Paterson Model 1839 Carbines purchased from John Ehlers at the state’s behest. The Carbineers participated in the so-called battles of Chepachet and Pawtucket on June 28 and 29, 1842. After the failed assault on the arsenal, Dorr briefly returned to his native state in June to assemble a small band of armed followers on Acote's Hill in Chepachet, but the followers dispersed once they realized they would be defeated by the state militia. Dorr once again sought refuge out of state where he remained until he surrendered in 1843. In recognition of the Carbineers’ service, Governor King presented its officers and senior sergeants with inscribed carbines like this one on July 4, 1842. At the time of this writing no further information related to Henry C. Clark was found. This carbine is identified in R.L. Wilson's "Magnificent Colts" on pages 98-100 and "Steel Canvas" on page 113.

Extremely fine. The barrel, frame and cylinder retain 70% bright original blue finish with the balance thinning to brown. All of the cylinder scene remains. The trigger guard retains traces of original blue which is visible in the protected areas. Patterns of original case colors remain on the hammer and buttplate, otherwise a mottled brown-gray patina. The stock is fine with minor handling/storage marks and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. With only 950 built, Model 1839 Paterson Carbines are one of the most difficult Colt percussion firearms to find. The survival rate of Model 1839 Paterson Carbines was low, and this presentation example with its condition and historical significance make it one of the most appealing to have survived. Provenance: The William Goodwin Renwick Collection; The Robert E. Petersen Collection; and The Robert M. Lee Collection