Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver with Colt factory letter that identifies it as factory engraved and nickel plated. The factory letter further states that this is one of eight Model 1871-72 Open Top revolvers shipped to J.P. Moores & Sons in New York City on July 4, 1876. These revolvers were factory engraved by Colt for the New York Centennial Display on Independence Day 1876. The serial numbers of the eight revolvers are 1932, 1970, 1982, 1983, 1992, 1993, 2003 and 2004. These eight revolvers are the only Model 1871-72 Open Top revolvers identified in Colt records as being factory engraved. Serial number 1992, along with numbers 1970 and 2003 are the only surviving factory engraved Model 1871-1872 Open Top revolvers. This revolver was formerly part of the Mel Torme collection. The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish with one-piece ivory grip. The revolver is decorated with scroll engraving on a punch-dot background. The engraving is nearly identical to Open Top serial number 1970 which is illustrated on page 158 of "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING" by R.L. Wilson. The description of the revolver in "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING" states that the engraving is documented factory engraving that dates from around 1872-74. Wilson describes the engraving style as: "A rather flowery scroll design" which is "one of the rarest designs in the study of Colt firearms engraving". The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line legend: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in a panel with engraved borders. The Colt 1871 and 1872 patent dates are roll-stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame and in an engraved panel. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT NO". The edges of the cylinder have punch-dot borders. The full serial number "1992" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "992" is stamped on the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The assembly number "961" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. Engraving covers the serial numbers on the barrel lug and trigger guard. Colt manufactured approximately 7000 T Model 1871-72Open Top Revolvers. C.D. Terry has researched the Open-Top Model for 55 years and has found that number to be closer to 5,300. Only eight of these revolvers were factory engraved and only three examples survive today. This is a unique opportunity to obtain one or all of the rarest factory engraved Colt revolvers.

Very fine. The revolver has been professionally restored and presents an outstanding appearance. The engraving is deep and crisp. The barrel and frame markings are sharp. The cylinder retains 95% or more of the roll-engraved naval battle scene. There is scattered flash pitting on the rear portions of the barrel lug and the front edges of the cylinder. The left side of the barrel has some scattered pitting near the muzzle. The grip is in fair-good overall condition. The ivory has yellowed with age and has several small patches of brown discoloration. The grip has shrunk slightly and there are several areas of deterioration along the inside of the grip strap. The grip heel has several hairline age cracks.