Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver

.44 Rimfire. 7.5" barrel length. SN: 411. Blued metal finish with casehardened frame and hammer mounting one piece walnut grips. Single action loading gate revolver with bullseye pattern ejector rod head and an externally sprung loading gate. The left frame shows the two-line COLTS/PATENT marking above the forward triggerguard screw. The barrel address reads -ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-. The cylinder itself displays the Ormsby Naval Engagement roll engraved pattern. The serial numbers match on the cylinder, gripstraps, frame, arbor pin, and barrel. The loading gate shows the assembly number 382. The spring retained wedge pin is not numbered. A C initial has been struck in the hammer recess and on the rear face of the barrel lug, the latter accompanied with an S. Though outwardly resembling the earlier Richards and Richards-Mason pattern of cartridge converted revolvers, the Model 1871-72 Open Top revolver was manufactured from new production parts, making it Colt's first purpose built full size cartridge revolver (the smaller Cloverleaf and Open Top Pocket revolvers both entered production earlier). Chambered in the popular .44 Henry Rimfire cartridge, the revolver offered buyers an excellent companion to the repeating rifles offered by Winchester in the same instant. However, thanks to the development of the famed Single Action Army type, the Colt Open Top's production run lasted for just under one and a half years from February of 1872 to June of 1873 with less than 7,000 manufactured in total.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.