Sold for $1,680

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver

.44 Rimfire. 7.5" barrel length. SN: 2252. Buffed finish overall to metal parts and mounting one piece walnut grips with barrel mounted rear notch and front blade sights. Single-action loading gate revolver built using Colt's wedge pin secured barrel. The left frame sports the date markings -PAT. JULY. 25. 1871-/-PAT. JULY. 2. 1872.-. The barrel address mark reads -ADDRESS COL. SAML. COLT NEW-YORK. U.S. AMERICA-. The serial numbers on the barrel, gripstraps, cylinder, and frame match. The arbor pin is numbered 1322, the loading gate displays the number 7236, and the wedge pin is marked 9273. The cylinder Ormsby roll engraving has been polished away by buffing. External loading gate spring, and the revolver mounts steel gripstraps in the Army pattern. The ejector rod head follows the standard target pattern and the hammer features bordered knurling. 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.

Condition Report

Fair to Good. Bore is Dark with patched oxidation from muzzle to forcing cone. The metal finish has been completely buffed down with the recesses and internal surfaces showing a dark brown Patina. The item displays scattered mars and dings, with some light pitting on the gripstraps and recoil shield. The rear gripstrap has been partly cut likely from an effort to remove an old screw, the metal surrounding this spot shows some brittle flaking that has partly obscured the serial number. The barrel address mark is weak but the patent marks on the frame remain legible. Grips show handling wear, some discolorations, and signs of a spliced edge on the lower right. The action displays good timing.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.