66

RARE Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
RARE Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver
This lot provides you with the opportunity to bid on an excellent example of a Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top, six-shot, single action revolver, chambered for the .44 Henry Rimfire. The revolver shows a serial number of 1858, which is all matching across the firearm, making this a very nice early production revolver. The Model 1871-72 or simply, Open Top was the brainchild of engineer William Mason. Mason worked for the Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company between 1866-1882, in that time, he had his hands in the design of the "Richards-Mason Conversion", the 1871-72 Open-Top, Colt Single Action Army, The "New Line", and the Double-Action Colt M1877, M1878, and the M1889. Even though Mason departed with Colt in 1882 to work with Winchester, Carl J. Ehbets remained at Colt, and continued to refine the design which they had collaborated on - Leading to the inception of the Colt M1889. The Model 1871-72 lived only a short 3-year production life but led to critical developments for the renowned Colt Single Action Army, or "Peacemaker". This revolver in particular shows standard features of a Colt Open-Top, utilizing a 7 ½ inch barrel, six-shot cylinder, walnut grips, rear barrel mounted v-notch sight, paired with a brass or silver / nickel blade front sight, and an underlug cartridge extractor. The revolver shows all the authentic original markings in numerous spots, showing correct roll stampings, and reading; "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW YORK US. AMERICA" on the top of the barrel, two-line patent "PAT. JULY. 25. 1871" over "PAT. JULY. 2. 1872." on the left side of the frame and showing matching serial numbers on the butt of the grips, cylinder, bottom of the barrel, bottom of the frame, and on the bottom of the trigger assembly making this a rare all numbers matching revolver. Overall, the revolver shows very-good condition. The revolver has a fine naturally aged patina with handling and use wear, and very-good honestly worn grips, absent of cracks, but showing slight wear at the metal to wood contacts. Mechanically the revolver is sound, with a tight action, which is in good time, functioning without flaw. The bore of the barrel shows crisp visible rifling with some spotting from age. The revolver qualifies as an Antique Handgun and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: 1858.