Colt Open Top Pocket .22 Short, Long Single Action Revolver, 1874 C&R

For Sale: Colt Open Top Pocket .22 Short, Long Single Action Revolver, 1874 C&R

$ 395

Listed In: Antique Firearms

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Colt Open Top Pocket .22 Short, Long Single Action Revolver, 1874 Antique

Make: Colt

Model: Open Top Pocket Model

Serial Number: 41413

Year of Manufacture: 1874 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .22 Short or Long, Black Powder

Action Type: 7-Shot, Single Action Spur-Trigger Revolver

Barrel Length: 2 3/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels. The panels have scattered finish wear and some light nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn, but visible. There is light-moderate erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.

Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors' firearms.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. There is some flaking, mostly at the tip of the barrel and one side of the cylinder. Areas of finish loss show oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches,the screw heads are sharp. The action shows light operational wear. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces moderate play on each chamber. We test fire this handgun and it functions as designed. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt Open Top Pocket Model Revolver was a single action pocket revolver introduced by the Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company in 1871. Introduced a year before the Colt Open Top (a model from 1872) and two years before the Colt Peacemaker and the Colt New Line (both introduced in 1873), the Colt Open Top Pocket Model Revolver was, alongside the Colt House Revolver, one of the two first metallic cartridge rear-loading revolvers manufactured by Colt. This Open Top was made in 1874 and shows light wear given its age. Being a pocket pistol from the days of the ever expanding Wild West, this pistol must have seen some things in its day, but it retains much of its original nickel finish. If you’re a fan of Colt or 19th Century cartridge handguns, this should make for a great addition to your collection without taking up too much space.

Please note: this firearm is also listed for sale on other platforms.