Lot 3184

Desirable Blued Colt 1871-1872 Open Top Single Action Revolver

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Desirable Blued Colt 1871-1872 Open Top Single Action Revolver

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $13,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable Blued Finish Colt Model 1871-1872 Open Top Single Action Revolver This is one of only approximately 7,000 of these "Open Top" revolvers manufactured Colt in 1872-1873. The production of the Open Top was made possible after the American government refused Rollin White’s request to extend his revolver patent in 1870. White’s patent had been used by Smith & Wesson to hold a monopoly on revolvers were bored through cylinders preventing Colt and others from producing rimfire and centerfire revolvers. When Colt entered the metallic cartridge revolver market, it was only natural that they built off the success of their immensely successful percussion revolvers. This model is largely based on the iconic Model 1860 Army revolvers widely used by Union forces during the Civil War and was the direct predecessor of the hugely successful Colt Single Action Army. A large percentage of these Open Top revolvers appear to have made their way westward as some of the first American metallic cartridge revolvers on the frontier, and many continued to be used long after the Single Action Army became available in large numbers. Most of those that survive are nickel plated, and examples with considerable original blue finish remaining like this one are hard to acquire. This stunning blue and casehardened Open Top features a German silver blade front sight and integral notch rear sight on top of the barrel which is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line 1871 and 1872 patent markings, and the cylinder is roll engraved with the Naval Battle of Campeche scene and "COLTS PATENT No 229". The matching serial number "1229" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and rear mortise of the grip, and assembly number "122" is on the loading gate. The wedge is unnumbered.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1871 1872

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 44 Rimfire

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number1229

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine with 50% original blue finish remaining on the barrel, strong traces of original blue on the cylinder and back strap, 40% original case colors, dark brown patina on the balance of the iron, light oxidation, traces of original silver plating on the trigger guard and otherwise attractive aged patina on the brass, and fairly minor overall wear. The grip is also fine and has small chips at the toe, minor dings and scratches, thin paper shims between the grip and frame on the left, and light edge wear. Mechanically functions. This is certainly one of the finer blued Colt Open Tops extant. These are very hard to obtain with original blue!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000