GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
RARE EARLY COLT MODEL 1871 OPEN TOP ARMY REVOLVER WITH HOLSTER.COLT187211844 RFCal. 44 RF. This is among earliest open tops you will find, made in standard configuration with 7-1/2" rnd bbl, 1-line New York address, "COLT''S PATENT" found on left side of frame without the 2-line patent marks with dates found on later models. Gun appears all original with some original finish. Open tops are quite rare as these were the first 44 cal rimfire Colt revolvers that led up to the single actions that production started in 1873. This is an honest, complete and original example of a rare early Colt that generally saw very hard use. PROVENANCE: The Estate of G. W. "Bill" Stewart of Sonora, Texas. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Matching SNs are found on bbl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder and grips. Iron overall is gray/plum with scattered areas of pitting, strong traces of blue are found in protected areas of bbl. Brass backstrap and trigger guard retain traces of original SN. Grips are worn with chips at both toes at left side with scattered small blemishes, very well fit. Mechanically gun functions well with crisp discernible rifling in pitted bore. The accompanying holster retains much of its original finish, overall sound and solid, with crazing and cracking, retaining most of original black finish, maker mark or name stamped on front of flap, appears to read "L. P. MEYER". Holster fits gun quite snuggley, stitching and plug intact. 49973-153 JS (4,000-6,000)