16,000 First Model New Line 22 revolvers were manufactured in the 1870s with short fluted cylinders and visible cylinder stop slots. Colt's New Line revolvers were Colt's late 19th century concealed carry revolvers. Some were flashy to enhance the image of their owner like this example which was manufactured in 1874 (the same year DeGress introduced his "Tiffany" grips) and has scroll and geometric engraving patterns on over half of the visible surfaces and a scarce pair of DeGress "horse head" cast grips made of copper alloy plated in silver with the 1874 patent marking on the top left, a shield on the bottom left, a horse head and floral designs on the right, and scroll designs throughout. The revolver has the two-line barrel address flanked by crosses, "22 CA" on the left side of the frame below the cylinder, and standard blade and top strap groove sights. Correspondence regarding some "horse trading" between collector Robert G. Cox and Gerald Gutchess from the early 1970s is included regarding the sale or trade of this revolver.

Fine with 70% of the lightly flaking period replated nickel plated finish, some spots of minor oxidation and pitting, edge wear, and an aged patina on the exposed copper and brass. Mechanically excellent. Most of the markings and patterns are legible.