Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
barrels altered from the standard Model 1862 Police percussion type; plugged in the loading lug area, but still retaining much of the original profile. 4-1/2", 5-1/2", and 6-1/2" barrel lengths.
Serial numbering as noted in preface material; in percussion and metallic cartridge ranges. Barrel marking:-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-. On the left side of the frame COLTS/PATENT or either of two forms of 1871 and 1872 patent dates. Cylinder roll scene depicts the stagecoach holdup, but not present on half-fluted cylinders.
Quick identification possible by the distinct barrel lug contour, presence of the ejector rod, and the presence of the left-over percussion loading cutout in the lower section of the barrel lug.
Conversion having rebated, roll engraved cylinder:
| 5B-129 | Values—Very Good $825 | Exc. $3,000 |
Conversion having rebated, half-fluted cylinder:
5B-130
| 5B-130 | Values—Very Good $950 | Exc. $3,750 |
Colt Round (Ctg.) Barrel Model, with Ejector (“Solid Barrel Type”)
Round (Cartridge) Barrel Model, with Ejector. (Not illus.) Made c. 1873-75; total quantity about 6,500.
38 rimfire and 38 centerfire. 5-shot cylinder. The distinct round barrel design was made specifically for this model, and was not altered from the percussion. 4-1/2", 5-1/2" and 6-1/2" barrel lengths.
Serial numbering as noted in preface material; in percussion and metallic cartridge ranges. Barrel marking: COLT’S PT.F.A. CO/ HARTFORD CT.U.S.A. On the left side of the frame were MFG.stamped 1871 and 1872 patent dates. Cylinder roll scene of the stagecoach holdup.
Can be identified quickly by the barrel lug contour (can be confused only with the Round Barrel Pocket Navy with Ejector), presence of the ejector rod, and the lack of any plug in the barrel lug:
| 5B-131 | Values—Very Good $750 | Exc. $3,000 |
Colt 3-1/2" Round (Ctg.) Barrel, w/o Ejector (“Solid Barrel Type”)
3-1/2" Round (Cartridge) Barrel Model, without Ejector (a.k.a. “Solid Barrel Type”). Made c. 1873-80; total quantity about 10,000 (of which approx. 6,500 were converted from Pocket Model 1849 revolver parts; the additional estimated 3,500 made as original cartridge guns).
38 rimfire and 38 centerfire. 5-shot cylinder. The 3-1/2" round barrel without ejector was manufactured specifically for this model, and was not altered from the percussion.
Serial numbering as noted in preface material; in percussion and metallic cartridge ranges. Barrel marking: COLT’S PT.F.A.MFG.CO/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. On the left side of the frame were stamped 1871 and 1872 patent dates. Cylinder roll scene of the stagecoach holdup.
Instantly identifiable by the stubby 3-1/2" round barrel without ejector rod; loading gates seldom present. Of all models of the 1862 Police/Pocket Navy conversions, the 3-1/2" Round Barrel type is the most common. Specimens were shipped as late as the 1880s:
5B-132
| 5B-132 | Values—Very Good $600 | Exc. $2,450 |
Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver
Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver. Manufactured c. 1872-73; in a total quantity of about 7,000.
44 rimfire. 6-shot cylinder. 7-1/2" barrel; made specifically for this model, and not to be confused with the Richards-Mason conversion.
Varnished walnut grips. Metal parts blued, the hammer casehardened; some brass gripstraps made, and these were finished in silver plating.
Serial numbered in its own range, the Open Top series began with 1 and ran through about 7000. Barrel Marking: -ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S.AMERICA-. On the left side of the frame of about the first 1000 pistols was stamped COLTS/PATENT; the balance of production was marked with 1871 and 1872 patent dates. 44 CAL on the left shoulder of the trigger guard strap. Cylinder scene is the naval engagement.
The model is quickly identifiable by the lack of a conversion breechplate, the straight cylinder (not rebated), and the Richards-Mason type barrels but having an integral rear sight. As the direct predecessor to the Single Action Army, the Open Top 44 is highly prized by collectors. Its limited production and the hard use many experienced has made the model one of the more difficult of major Colt revolver types to obtain.
Major variations are:
Standard model, 7-1/2" barrel, New-York barrel address marking, Army size grips:
| 5B-133 | Values—Good $2,500 | Fine $9,500 |
Same as above, but with Navy size grips:
5B-134
| 5B-134 | Values—Good $3,000 | Fine $11,000 |
Late production, with COLT’S PT.F.A.MFG.CO.HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. barrel address marking:
| 5B-135 | Values—Good $2,750 | Fine $10,000 |
Any of the above models having 8" barrel, or COLTS/PATENT frame marking bring an added premium.
Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Single Action Army Revolver. A legendary American gun. Contracted and issued in large quantities by the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars; widely carried in the “golden days of the old west” by the most illustrious of lawmen and most notorious of outlaws. A.k.a. “Peacemaker”, “Frontier Six-Shooter”, “Equalizer”, “Hog-leg”, “Thumb-buster” and more recently “First Generation” for pre-World War II production 1873-1940 (included here); popularly known as merely the “Single Action” among collectors. “Second Generation” (1956-1978) and “Third Generation” (1978-present) types are easily recognized by large letters “SA” after serials or letter-number combinations on commemoratives and custom guns. (Post-WWII types not covered.)