This highly attractive Colt Model 1871-1872 Open Top revolver is one of approximately only 7,000 manufactured circa 1872-1873, at a time when settlers pouring into the American West demanded powerful large caliber sidearms. Their heavy use on the western frontier and limited production run has made the Model 1871-1872 one of the most difficult Colt revolvers to find in any condition. High condition Model 1871-1872s, like this example, are very rarely encountered for public sale. The Model 1871-1872 Open Top was a direct predecessor of the hugely successful Colt Single Action Army Revolver, and these were some of the first Colt cartridge revolvers available in the West. These revolvers remained in use as working guns well into the period of dominance of the Single Action Army. The production of the Open Top was made possible after the American government refused Rollin White’s request to extend his breech loading revolver patent in 1870. White’s patent was a drastic leap in the progression of firearms development as it allowed for a bored through revolver cylinder to be loaded with cartridges at the rear. Smith & Wesson held exclusive rights to the use of White’s patent, and for every S&W manufactured revolver that used his bored through cylinder patent, White received a 25 cent royalty. White was responsible for defending his patent in court against other manufacturers who infringed upon his breech loading design, and his success in the courts paved the way for S&W to manufacture the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges, the Model 1, with near impunity from competitors. S&W followed up the Model 1 with a series of tip-up revolvers that dominated the rimfire market. The expiration of White’s patent signaled the end to S&W’s unyielding domination over the rimfire revolver market. Colt’s response was the Model 1871-72 revolver. Features a blade front sight and integral notch rear sight on top of the barrel, and the top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line 1871 and 1872 patent markings, and the cylinder is roll engraved with the Naval Battle of Campeche scene and "COLTS PATENT No 125". The matching serial number "5125" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and assembly number "431" is on the loading gate. The included a Colt factory letter from 1982 states that records for this revolver are unavailable. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Exceptionally fine and in well above condition for the majority of surviving examples, retaining 85% plus original nickel finish with a few areas of pitting. Most of the cylinder scene remains. The slightly age shrunken grip is excellent with crisp checkering and attractive color. Mechanically excellent. An outstanding Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top revolver that is well deserving of the finest collection.