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The Finest Factory Engraved Documented Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver with Ivory Grips; One of

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:60,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
The Finest Factory Engraved Documented Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver with Ivory Grips; One of
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Estimate: $150000 - 225000
Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top revolver with Colt factory letter. The factory letter states that this revolver was shipped to J.P. Moores & Sons in New York City on July 4, 1876. The letter describes the revolver as factory engraved with a nickel-plated finish; the type of stocks are not listed. Subsequent research determined that this revolver is one of a group of eight Model 1871-72 Open Top revolvers shipped to J.P. Moores and Sons on July 4, 1876. The research indicates that this group of revolvers was manufactured by Colt for display by J.P. Moores at the 1876 Independence Day celebration in New York City. Material that accompanies this rare revolver indicates that the eight factory engraved Model 1871-72 revolvers sent to J.P. Moores as part of the July 4, 1876, shipment may be the only factory engraved Model 1872-73 revolvers manufactured. These revolvers have been identified as serial numbers 1932, 1970, 1982, 1983, 1992, 1993, 2003 and 2004. Only serial numbers 1970, 1993 and 2003 have been located. This revolver is the best of the three known Model 1872-73 factory engraved revolvers and it is considered by experts to be the best factory engraved Model 1872-73 revolver extant. The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish and is fitted with a one-piece ivory grip. Colt engraving expert R.L. Wilson describes the engraving as a "flowery scroll design" and notes that this style is "one of the rarest designs in the study of Colt firearms engraving". The revolver is illustrated and described on page 158 of "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING" by R.L. Wilson. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. The address is surrounded by an engraved panel. The Colt, two-line, "JULY 25. 1871/JULY 2.1872." patent dates are located in an engraved panel on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLT"S PATENT NO.". The edges of the cylinder are decorated with a single line of punch-dots. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "1819". The serial number "1970" is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The engraving covers the serial number on the barrel lug and trigger guard. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "970". All of the visible serial numbers match.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: nickel
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 1970
Condition: Excellent. The revolver retains 85% plus of the original nickel-plated finish. Wear is limited to scattered flaking on the underside of the barrel lug, ejector housing, and edges of the cylinder. The markings and engraving are crisp. The ivory grip is in good condition. The ivory has yellowed from age and shrunk slightly. There are several hair-line age cracks that extend upward from the butt to the body of grip. Produced only in limited numbers, all Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top revolvers are scarce and highly desirable collectors items. This well documented revolver is not only one of only eight factory engraved Model 1871-72 revolvers but it is also the best of the three remaining factory engraved Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top revolvers know to exist. This is a rare and extremely desirable Colt revolver that would be a key piece in the most advanced Colt collection.