Highly prized by collectors for its limited production and significance as the first Colt revolver manufactured specifically for a metallic cartridge, the Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver is the transition model between the Colt cartridge conversions and solid frame Single Action Army revolver. The production of the Open Top was made possible after the American government refused Rollin White’s request to extend his breech loading revolver patent in 1870. White’s patent was a drastic leap in the progression of firearms development as it allowed for a bored through revolver cylinder to be loaded with cartridges at the rear. Smith & Wesson held exclusive rights to the use of White’s patent, and for every S&W manufactured revolver that used his bored through cylinder patent, White received a 25 cent royalty. White was responsible for defending his patent in court against other manufacturers who infringed upon his breech loading design, and his success in the courts paved the way for S&W to manufacture the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges, the Model 1, with near impunity from competitors. S&W followed up the Model 1 with a series of tip-up revolvers that dominated the rimfire market. The expiration of White’s patent signaled the end to S&W’s unyielding domination over the rimfire revolver market. Colt’s response was the Model 1871-72 revolver of which 7,000 were manufactured between 1872-1873 at a time when settlers pouring into the American West demanded powerful large caliber sidearms. Their heavy use on the Western frontier and limited production run has made the Model 1871-72 one of the most difficult Colt revolvers to find in any condition. The included factory letter confirms this revolver as .44 RF caliber, 7 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, and grip not listed when originally shipped to William Read & Sons of Boston, Massachusetts on May 22nd, 1873 in a 6 gun shipment. The top of the barrel has the one-line New York address, the cylinder has the naval battle scene, and the left of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking. Matching full and partial serial number "1401" marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder and handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise. Matching assembly number "371" marked on the cylinder pin and loading gate. Unnumbered nickel finished wedge that appears to be original to the gun. Ten small notches carved in the front left edge of the grip.

Exceptionally fine, retains 75% plus original nickel finish with some scattered flaking and smooth gray patina on the balance, some scratches concentrated around the wedge on either side, with a distinct cylinder scene and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Grip is fine with some edge wear, some scattered small dings and handling marks, and ten small period applied notches visible on the left front edge. Mechanically excellent.