COLT MODEL 1871-1872 OPEN TOP REVOLVER

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.