Finest Known Documented Early Production Three Digit Serial Number 164 New York Engraved, Nickel and Gold Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver with Checkered Ivory Grip
The Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver holds a pivotal place in firearms history as the transitional model between Colt’s cartridge conversions and the legendary Single Action Army. Produced in limited numbers—approximately 7,000 between 1872 and 1873—it represents one of the earliest Colt cartridge revolvers to reach the American West. These revolvers were true “working guns,” heavily used on the frontier and rarely seen today in high condition or with deluxe embellishments. Period-engraved examples are exceptionally rare. As R. L. Wilson notes in The Book of Colt Firearms (p. 237): “[E]ngraved specimens of the 44 Open Top Frontier are extremely rare. Of the few known engraved, the majority were decorated outside the Colt factory, principally by the dealers Schuyler, Hartley and Graham of New York City.”
Without question, No. 164 ranks among the finest known examples and is a true crown jewel of 19th-century American firearms artistry. It features profuse period New York engraving in the style of L. D. Nimschke, including floral scrolls on a punch-dot background, a starburst at the muzzle, fan motifs on the recoil shield, loading gate, and back strap, entwined line-and-dot patterns on the butt and trigger guard, and a checkerboard design on the ejector housing. This elaborate work is enhanced by an extraordinary two-tone finish: the barrel, frame, and grip straps plated in nickel, with the ejector rod housing, hammer, and cylinder richly plated in gold. A finely checkered one-piece grip completes the presentation.
This revolver has been celebrated in the 2nd edition of Fine & Historic Arms Annual, where it was cited as “the finest known early production 1871/72 Open Top revolver” (p. 181). The only comparable piece known is No. 4974—also Nimschke-style engraved with a silver and gold finish—preserved today in the Autry Museum of the American West (The Book of Colt Firearms, p. 237).
The top of the barrel bears the one-line New York address, and “COLTS/PATENT” is stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder retains the naval engagement roll scene with engraved scallop bands. The loading gate is numbered “125,” and matching serial numbers appear on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder.
Exceptionally fine overall. The barrel, frame, and grip straps retain 95%+ of the retailer-applied nickel plating, showing only minor scattered edge wear and modest loss on the barrel lug. The engraving remains sharp and deeply cut. The remaining surfaces exhibit traces of original gold finish in protected areas, with the balance displaying an attractive, untouched smooth brown patina. The cylinder shows light bruising at the front edge yet retains virtually all of the crisp naval engagement scene.
The finely checkered one-piece grip is very good, with slight age shrinkage, a few small chips along the high edges, and several typical age hairline cracks (primarily on the bottom), while the checkering remains crisp and well-defined.
Mechanically excellent. An outstanding showpiece—one of only a handful of known New York retailer-engraved Model 1871-72 Open Tops—this revolver would make a centerpiece in even the most advanced Colt collection.
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