Only approximately 7,000 of this model were manufactured over the course of less than three years as the direct predecessors of the iconic Colt Single Action Army making the Colt Open top a particularly desirable Colt revolver. Many of the examples we see are also nickel plated making the blue and casehardened finished examples particularly desirable. Per the factory letter, this revolver was one of 20 in a shipment on June 7, 1873, to Cooper, Harris & Hodgkins of New York City in .44 rimfire with 7 1/2 inch barrels and blue finish. The grips were not listed and may have been installed by the retailer. The retailer was located at 177 Broadway c. 1868-1874 and then became Edwin S. Harris's Sportsman's Warehouse. The revolver has blade and notch sights, the one-line New York barrel address, standard roll-scene, "-PAT. JULY. 25. 1871.-/-PAT. JULY. 2. 1872.-" on the left side of the frame, assembly number "1343" on the loading gate, "408" on the cylinder (factory error), matching visible serial numbers with the "4" stamped over a "2" (another factory error).

Fine with 40% plus original blue finish, 30% original case colors, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, some mild pitting mainly by the muzzle, and general mild marks and scratches. The slightly undersized grip is also fine and has numerous dark stress lines visible and attractive natural tones and grain. Mechanically excellent.