This Colt Cloverleaf House Model Revolver was manufactured in 1871 the first year of production. The revolver has the distinctive, four-shot, "Cloverleaf" cylinder, round barrel and early, high profile, hammer. The revolver has a nickel plated finish and is fitted with two-piece, ivory, bird's head, grips. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "+ COLTS HOUSE PISTOL/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.+" with maltese crosses at either end of the legend. The serial number, "1368", is located on the underside of the barrel. This revolver was once in the William Locke collection and is pictured on page 184 in "The Wm. Locke Collection" book. Engraved by L.D. Nimschke the revolver is decorated with scroll engraving on a punch-dot background. The engraving covers nearly the entire revolver with the exception of the underside of the barrel and the bottom of the frame and grip strap.

Very fine. The revolver retains 85% of the original nickel plated finish. The finish wear is primarily confined to the cylinder with some edge wear on the high points of the frame. The flawlessly executed engraving is crisp and deep. The ivory grips have shrunk slightly at the junction with the frame but are in very fine condition with an attractive patina and no cracks. This is a rare example of a Nimschke engraved Colt Cloverleaf House Model Revolver.