Highly prized by collectors for its limited production and significance as the first Colt revolver manufactured specifically for a metallic cartridge, the Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver is the transition model between the Colt cartridge conversions and solid frame Single Action Army revolver, paving the way for the Single Action Army which was an immediate success shortly thereafter. Approximately 7,000 Model 1871-72 revolvers were manufactured in 1872 and 1873. This particular revolver has New York style floral scroll engraving on the barrel and frame, scallop and dot border around the barrel address, finishing in a simple line and dot design up to the front sight. There is a shell design on the recoil shield and loading gate, star burst on the trigger guard, geometric designs on the trigger guard shoulders and simple line designs and border on the back strap. The top of the barrel is marked with the one line New York address and the left side of the frame is marked with the two line 1871/1872 patent dates. The cylinder has the Texas Naval battle scene with a scallop and dot border around the rear and marked "COLTS PATENT No 5229". Matching serial number on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap (renumbered). The wedge is un-numbered and the arbor pin is marked "790". Blade front and integral rear sights, casehardened frame and hammer with blue on the remaining parts, and fitted with a one piece checkered ivory grip.

Professionally embellished with 50% of the refinished blue finish remaining on the barrel and ejector housing with a smooth brown and gray patina on the balance. The cylinder has a smooth gray patina with 90% of the scene remaining and clear markings. The grip straps have a smooth gray patina with almost all of the blue finish on the butt and trigger guard area. The hammer retains almost all of the bright case colors and the frame shows 50% case colors with a smooth gray on the balance. The grips are fine with some minor age cracking on the butt and an attractive mellow patina. The engraving and markings are clear. The action is excellent.