Colts 4

Here we have the essence of the Old Western Frontier, a trusted revolver going forward with a converted caliber, guns were costly, and this one continued to give good service to the owner. This is a Model 1871-1872 Colt Open Top revolver, the last vestige of the “percussion style” open top frame.  However progress is also present, the barrel is a 100% cartridge barrel designed by Wm. Mason which first appeared on the final conversion of the 1860 Army revolver. This Open Top is a 100% cartridge revolver, and some say, the father of the Single Action which came only a year later. They only manufactured about 7,000, so in any condition it is a prized revolver in a collection. Serial No. 237X originally came with a 7-1/2 inch barrel, but by the 1880’s the shorter barrel was more popular, so it was cut to a 4-1/2 inch barrel. Many reasons, easier carrying, more concealable, and quicker to produce in action !!!! As center fire cartridges became the dominant choice, and rim fires not as easy to come by the owner had this Open Top converted to 44 center fire from rim fire. It is actually a competent and quality job, as the ORIGINAL hammer face was altered to carry a center fire pin . ALL else remains ORIGINAL.  It has about 70% of the original Factory Nickel plated finish, the balance a soft gray patina. ALL original. no cleaning ! ALL Factory applied markings are still visible and present: US America barrel address, two line 1872 patent on frame and ALL matching Serial Number, including cylinder in proper locations. WORKING ACTIONS: the revolver cylinder operates correctly, all notches working, rotates when cocked, indexes, and locks tight for firing. Firing release is also correct, as are ALL working functions, no mechanical issues. The ORIGINAL Walnut grips show a bit of ingenuity. They were converted to 2 piece grips by carefully cutting in half,  leaving the portion of the center divide present. Then brass escuthons were added. Why, I can only assume they preferred removing grips without taking off the back strap ? The best part is ALL parts are the originals from the factory ! The cylinder still has 50% of the nickel on it, and much of the Naval Engagement scene is still quite visible. This is precisely the type revolver which would have been a Texas Border revolver , maybe even a Mexican Border revolver but served in Texas most likely the in Southwest. Most observation is that it is a very charismatic Old Western Frontier revolver which kept serving it’s owner from the rim fire era to center fire era.

This 1878 DA by Colt is an extremely early production certainly first moth, as it is Serial No.228X. It has the first production style “Fat Grip”, found on early production. Later the grip size was reduced, why ? maybe little hands back then ? This 1978 was originally a 7-1/2 inch barrel, however “in the day” it was reduced to 5-1/2 inches and professionally re-sighted. Bear in mind ! the holster is a Plug Bottom holster for a 5-1/2 inch Colt revolver. SO ! holster purchase and barrel reduction were of the same time, 1878 +. As we see it today, maybe about 15% of the original nickel plate finish is present, the balance is a soft non disturbed original light gray patina. The working mechanics are perfect, single and double action, NO mechanical issues ! ALL parts are original, and ALL factory applied markings are clear and present. WHAT makes this unique is the larger ” FAT GRIP”, and even more so !!! they are ORIGINAL IVORY to 1878!!

                    This Sheriffs Model is quite unique ! as it was made outside the Colt Factory. Probably in the far southwest, Az. Ty. maybe even in Mexico. However, it was very professionally made, no doubt by a gunsmith of high quality and ability. Perhaps he had seen one or was familiar with the frame pattern. In looking at the forward frame configuration, it is identical to the Colt factory. It is a THREE inch barrel, but from close looking at the barrel it once had a Colt two line patent, originally 4-3/4 inches. the front sight is remarkable well done and in correct alignment. The Serial No. 10123X is present on all the correct locations although the butt it is faint and difficult to see. It appears all parts are the original Colt parts and all factory applied markings are clear and present. It is remarkable that ALL the working actions are correct: all hammer cock positions, safety, half cock, full cock. The cylinder rotates and aligns and locks tight for firing. Releases to fire , no problem. The current finish condition is one of reasonable wear. There is still blue on cylinder and barrel with a gray patina on the balance, an original patina no cleaning. The Colt has one piece Walnut grips, in a fine antique patina and fine fit.

This Colt Revolver is one of the LOWEST production models from Colt, LESS than 4,000 were manufactured. It is also one of the MOST unique offerings from Colt, due to it’s grips ! The checkered Hard Rubber Grips were embossed, with NOT an Eagle, but a Cop and Thug ( Robber) in a confrontation. The Thug has a knife and the Cop is attempting an arrest.

The major significance of this Model was, it was the FIRST Pocket Model revolver to be made at the Hartford Factory ! Manufactured in a very small quantity of about 15,000 from 1847 to 1850. The name came from the similarity to the full size .44 Dragoon revolver. This Baby Dragoon, Serial No. 1124X would have been manufactured in 1848 and has the scarcer Five Inch barrel. ALL serial numbers are matching, all parts, and the frame patent is clear and distinct as is the barrel address. IT still has a perfect working action ! The overall surface is a soft gray patina, and the cylinder scene, “Stagecoach Holdup” is still present, just very light, but visible. Remarkably, the silver plating of the trigger guard and back strap is in abundance ! about 70% present.