Colt New Line Revolver in Scarce .41 Rimfire w/ Box

This is a nice little Colt New Line Revolver that was made in 1876. 2-1/4" round barrel with five-shot cylinder. Left side of barrel has a nice etched panel which clearly reades "COLT NEW 41". Left side of frame is also marked "41 CAL". Over the years, we've had several large frame New Line Revolvers in .41 caliber but all have been centerfire and often have English proofs. This is the first one that I can remember finding in the desirable .41 Rimfire caliber. It has no foreign proofmarks. It comes with an old wooden case with a brass nameplate on the lid and lock with round escutcheon. I have seen other New Line Revolvers in identical cases before but the consensus among most collectors that we've talked with is that the case, while old, has been modified to hold a gun. I can't say one way or the other but can report that it has definitely been re-lined to house this revolver sometime in the past 30-40 years.

Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Fine with 65% original nickel on the frame and straps. Cylinder has 50% original nickel. Barrel has 80% original nickel. Fire blue on the screws have mostly worn to silver but there are some flashes of colors on the side plate screw and some nice color remaining on the grip screw. Rear face of hammer still has 85% fire blue while the brightly polished profiles has lost most of their luster. Grips are rosewood and in Fine Condition with 90% original varnish. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Action is in decent working order and locks up just fine. There is a little bit of back and forth play on the cylinder...how much? Two sheets of paper worth so not much. Bore is in Good Condition with strong lands and grooves. Nice barrel address. Serial number in the 5,800 range. A very nice example of the most desirable version of the New Line in the most sought after caliber, .41 rimfire.

Item# 1646

SOLD