Sold for $3,000

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

Restored Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver

.44 Rimfire. 7.5" barrel length. SN: 2794. Nickel plated refinish to all parts including small parts, one piece walnut grips, and mounting rear notch and front blade sights mounted on the barrel. Single-action loading gate cartridge revolver mounting Army size steel gripstraps and an externally mounted loading gate spring. The left frame is marked - -PAT. JULY. 25. 1871.-/- -PAT. JULY. 2. 1872.-, and the barrel displays the single line address marking -ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-. Further markings include reapplied Ormsby roll engraving on the cylinder. The serial numbers match on the gripstraps, cylinder, frame, and barrel. No serial visible on the arbor pin with its sharp lines indicating it is a replacement. The loading gate assembly number has been obliterated. Wedge pin is not numbered. The barrel address mark appears to have been restruck. 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

Very Good as Restored. Bore is Rough near the forcing cone with deep erosion to the lands. The frame shows scattered pitting over the frame and on the ratchet teeth of the cylinder. Item shows some further scattered mars and nicks to the metalwork overall that has been filled in with nickel. The patent mark on the frame has been weakened but remains legible despite not being restruck. Underside of the barrel shows some scattered flaking with brown patina forming in losses. The mounting socket for the ejector rod housing shows signs of rewelding and polishing. Spot of weakness to the nickel at the forward edge of the cylinder. The spring for the loading gate has been broken and fails to fully engage. The grips show some erosion and mars along the lower edge of the butt. Grips do not fit flush with the edge of the butt. Cylinder shows a faint drag line. The action is mechanically excellent.

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.

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