This lot provides you with the opportunity to bid on an excellent example of a Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top, six-shot, single action revolver, chambered for the .44 Henry Rimfire. The Model 1871-72 or simply, Open Top was the brain child of of engineer William Mason. Mason worked for the Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company between 1866-1882, in that time, he had his hands in the design of the "Richards-Mason Conversion", the 1871-72 Open-Top, Colt Single Action Army, The "New Line", and the Double-Action Colt M1877, M1878, and the M1889. Even though Mason departed with Colt in 1882 to work with Winchester, Carl J. Ehbets remained at Colt, and continued to refine the design which they had collaborated on - Leading to the inception of the Colt M1889. Even though the Model 1871-72 lived a short 3 year production life, it led to critical developments for the renowned Colt Single Action Army, or "Peacemaker". The Open-Top would be submitted to the US Army for testing in 1872, and rejected for a more powerful option. This decision led to the birth of the new model Colt Single Action Army, chambered for the newest caliber of its time - the .45 Colt. This revolver in particular shows standard features of a Colt Open-Top, utilizing a 7 1/2" barrel, six-shot cylinder, walnut grips, rear barrel mounted v-notch sight, paired with a brass blade front sight, and an underlug cartridge extractor. The revolver is marked in numerous spots, showing correct roll stampings, and reading; "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW YORK US. AMERICA" on the top of the barrel, two line patent "PAT. JULY. 25. 1871" over "PAT. JULY. 2. 1872." on the left side of the frame, and showing matching serial numbers on the butt of the grips, cylinder, bottom of the barrel, bottom of the frame, and on the bottom of the trigger assembly. Overall, the revolver shows very-good condition. The revolver has a fine naturally aged patina, with only minor pitting, and very-good grips, absent of cracks, but showing slight wear at the metal to wood contacts. Mechanically the revolver is sound, with a tight action, which is in good time. The cylinder does have some slight play on lock-up, and the barrel shows some pitting and rust, but has good traces of rifling. The revolver qualifies as an Antique Handgun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: 1858. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer‰Ûªs responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.