The accompanying Colt factory letter (photocopy) states that this revolver 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" with the grips as "Not Listed" and verifies the factory engraving. 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 marked with the one-line address "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" and "-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.003". The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "1209". The full serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "003". All nickel finish and fitted with a smooth one-piece ivory grip. 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, serial number 1970 and 1992 are the only known Colt factory engraved Model 1871-72 revolvers extant. Serial number 1992 is also offered in this auction. Colt manufactured only about 7,000 Model 1871-72 Open Top revolvers and surviving examples are scarce.

Very fine as restored. The revolver has been carefully polished and the barrel lengthened. Half of the original nickel-plated finish remains on the balance. Most of the finish loss is concentrated on the sides of the trigger guard and cylinder. 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. 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 85% of the Texas Navy scene. The grip is fine. The ivory has a very attractive patina, shows minimal shrinkage and has a few minor age cracks on the bottom. The markings and engraving are clear and crisp. This rare and extremely desirable Colt revolver is a prize that would occupy a place of honor in the finest Colt collection.