Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top revolver with Colt factory letter that states it was one of eight revolvers shipped to J.P. Moores & Sons on July 4, 1876. These eight revolvers are the only Model 1871-72 Open Top revolvers that were factory engraved. The letter lists the finish as "nickel" and states that the revolver was factory engraved. The type of stocks furnished with the revolver are not listed in the letter. The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish and is fitted with a one-piece ivory grip. The barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap are decorated with factory scroll engraving on a punch-dot background. The barrel legend and Colt "1871" and "1872" patent dates are enclosed in engraved panels. The engraving on the bottom of the barrel lug and trigger guard covers the serial numbers. Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top revolver serial number 1970 was in the same lot of eight revolvers shipped to J.P. Moores on July 4, 1876, and is illustrated on page 158 of "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING" by R.L. Wilson. Wilson describes the engraving on serial number 1970 as, "a flowery scroll design which may have been done by one of the younger craftsmen. But, nevertheless, one of the rarest deigns in the study of Colt firearms engraving". The engraving on this revolver is nearly identical to that on serial number 1970 and appears to have been executed by the same craftsman. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line legend: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". "-PAT. JULY.25. 1871.-/-PAT. JULY 2.1872-" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT NO.". The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "1209". The full serial number "2003" is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "003". All of the visible serial numbers match. Research by Colt experts indicates that the eight factory engraved, nickel-plated Colt Model 1871-1872 Open Top revolvers shipped to J.P. Moores on July 4, 1876, were intended for display at the Independence Day celebration and Centennial display in New York City. The revolvers were serial numbers: 1932, 1970, 1982, 1983, 1992, 1993, 2003 and 2004. This revolver and serial number 1970 were both located on the Texas/Mexican border.

Very fine as restored. The revolver has been carefully polished and the barrel lengthened, with half of the original nickel-plated finish remaining on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The patent markings on the frame are sharp. There is scattered, shallow, flash pitting on the sides of the barrel lug, top of the barrel, ejector housing and forward edge of the cylinder. Most of the finish loss is concentrated on the sides of the trigger guard and cylinder. There is scattered light pitting on the back strap and hammer. The bottom of the back strap is drilled and tapped for a lanyard ring which has been removed. The cylinder retains approximately 85% of the Texas Navy scene. The one-piece ivory grip is in fine condition. The ivory has a very attractive patina, shows minimal shrinkage and is free from chips. Wear is limited to some minor, hair-line age cracks on the butt. Colt manufactured only about 7000 Model 1871-72 Open Top revolvers and surviving examples are scarce. Colt factory records show that only eight Model 1871-72 revolvers were factory engraved. This revolver, serial number 2003, serial number 1970 and serial number 1992 are the only known Colt factory engraved Model 1871-72 revolvers extant. This rare and extremely desirable Colt revolver is a prize that would occupy a place of honor in the finest Colt collection.