The Cloverleaf was Colt's first solid frame production revolver chambered for a metallic cartridge. The Cloverleaf's cylinder chambers were recessed to accept the rims of cartridges, this feature was many years in advance of any other Colt revolver. This revolver was manufactured in 1871, the first year of production, and is a rare variation fitted with a 1 1/2 inch octagon barrel, which was found only on the early 1 1/2 inch barreled revolvers. Both the octagon and round shorter barrels are very rare. The revolver features a fixed German silver, half moon front sight and frame notched rear sight. The left barrel flat is marked "COLT", and the serial number is marked on the butt and hand written on the inside of each grip panel. This revolver had a silver plated brass spur trigger frame with nickel finished 4-shot cylinder, hammer and barrel and blue trigger. Fitted with smooth two-piece varnished walnut grips. Provenance: The Will Hoffeld Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine. The frame retains 25% of the original silver plating while the exposed areas have an aged patina. The cylinder retains 70% original nickel finish. The barrel retains 95% original "frosted" finish with minor flaking, and the hammer retains almost all of the nickel finish with some light flaking. The grips are very fine retaining 90% of the original varnish with some high edge wear and a few minor dents and dings. Mechanically fine.