Colt Open Top Revolver w/ Ejector Housing & Low SN#

This is a very early Colt Open Top Pocket Revolver in .22 caliber. The Open Top Pocket was one of Colt's first dedicated cartridge revolvers. Along with the larger .41 Cloverleaf Revolver, production began in 1871 and ended in 1877 with over 114,000 units produced. This one has the early style barrel with integral ejector rod housing along with the high spur hammer. Only about 3,000 of these were manufactured before Colt streamlined production and did away with the ejector feature. Serial number is in the 900 range which makes it first year production...1871! Features include 2-7/8" barrel, seven-shot cylinder with standard blued barrel and cylinder with nickel plated brass frame. See original catalog ad from JH Johnston, Pittsburgh, PA, dated 1873.

Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Very Good Plus Condition. Barrel retains 30% original blue with the balance of the metal turned to a smooth gray patina. Brass frame has no nickel remaining which is pretty much the norm on blued guns. Very Good screws throughout. Original walnut grips have some nice figured burl and are numbered to the gun. As you will see in the photos, a previous owner placed his name on the inside of one of the grip panels (in pencil). Grips are solid with no chips, cracks, or repairs, and 75% original varnish. Excellent knurlings on the trigger, hammer, and handle of ejector rod. Barrel address is perfect. Nice mechanics. Very Good bore. Scarce example of an early Colt Pocket Revolver.

Item# 1728

SOLD