Ornate gold and nickel finished factory engraved Colt New Line .30 caliber revolver, serial number 7975, made in 1875. The New Line pocket revolvers were made in calibers .22 Rim Fire, .30 Rim Fire, .32 Rim & Center Fire, .38 Rim & Center Fire and .41 Rim & Center Fire. Of these, the .30 caliber was one of the least produced and made only from 1874-1876. It is estimated that only approximately 11,000 were made (compared to over 55,000 in .22 caliber). This example was factory fitted with ivory grips that are still in excellent condition showing the desirable aged mellow cream hue. The frame was originally full gold plated and now still shows good gold finish around the hammer, front strap and protected areas. Some aged nickel remains on the cylinder and barrel where the metal blends to a lovely aged and uncleaned patina. It is also mechanically excellent. Sharp Colt markings remain on the top of the barrel. There is profuse factory scroll engraving on the cylinder, frame, 2 ¼” barrel etc. And importantly pictured in the standard Colt reference by R. L. Wilson The Book of Colt Firearms is a similarly gold/nickel/engraved embellished Colt New Line .30 Caliber revolver serial number 7968 (only 7 numbers from this example! A copy of this page with photograph included). It is probable that a group of these were selected at one single time for such ornamental treatment by Colt with those still extant being in this serial range. During this time period, the engraving would have been done by famed Colt engraver Cuno A. Helfricht. All engraved Colt New Line revolvers are rare and eagerly sought after with those having ivory grips and gold plating rarely offered for sale. The revolver weighs 6oz. Serial Number: 7975. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.