Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
Colt Open Top Pocket Model Revolver
Open Top Pocket Model Revolver. Made c. 1871-77; total production of about 114,200.
22 Short or Long rimfire caliber. 7-shot cylinder. 2-3/8" and 2-7/8" barrel lengths.
Grips of varnished walnut. Blued or nickel plated cylinders and barrels: the brass frames nickel plated. Silver plating (on frame) not uncommon.
Serial numbered in its own range, beginning with 1 and continuing through to end of production. Barrel markings in four distinct variations of: COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. Stamped on left side of frame: 22 CAL.
A distinct type due to the open top frame, the barrel and cylinder easily removed by releasing the pivoting latch, the spur trigger, and the 7-shot non-fluted cylinder with the stop slots near the muzzle end. The Open Top 22 had an excellent sales record, but success was cut short due to the flood of the market by cheap pistols known to collectors as “suicide specials.”
A rare variation (worth premium value) known on very early, low numbered specimens, has circular, tapered firing pin which enters frame through a circular hole (vs. usual thin flat plate firing pin which fits through matching narrow slot at top of frame).
Major variations are:
Early production having 2-3/8" or 2-7/8" (worth premium) barrel with ejector; high spur hammer most often encountered:
5B-161
| 5B-161 | Values—Very Good $550 | Exc. $1,500 |
Standard model, 2-3/8" barrel length without ejector rod; with high spur hammer:
5B-162
| 5B-162 | Values—Very Good $200 | Exc. $500 |
As above, with sloping spur hammer (above 22000 serial range):
| 5B-163 | Values—Very Good $200 | Exc. $500 |
Colt “New Line” Series Of Cartridge Revolvers
This line of five solid-frame, spur-trigger revolvers, ranging in caliber and size from 22 to 41, was newly introduced in 1873. Initially they met with much success, yet production for most calibers ceased by the late 1870s. Only the 32-caliber model continued until 1884. Tremendous proliferation of very inexpensive competitive types of near-identical appearance, by both American and European manufacturers, eventually caused Colt, unwilling to sacrifice their quality of materials and workmanship, to drop the line.
Alternate Names (i.e. Nicknames) For “New Line” Revolvers
B. Kittredge & Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, noted firearms dealers and among Colt’s major outlets in the Midwest, introduced an innovative marketing twist by coining newly-conceived names (especially for their advertising) for each of these handguns: “The LITTLE COLT” (22 caliber); “THE PONY COLT” (30 caliber); “THE LADIES COLT” (32 caliber); “THE PET COLT” (38 caliber) and “THE BIG COLT” (41 caliber). Such markings were actually applied to some of those various models. Engraved on the right side of barrels, the markings, reportedly in script fashion, were hand-engraved, apparently at the Colt factory (disputation contends Kittredge applied those markings). Quantities unknown; judging by frequency of appearance, extremely limited. Collectors cautioned to be wary of marked specimens. It appears more spurious examples known than genuine ones! Authenticated specimens very rare and worthy of considerable premium.
Colt New Line 22 Revolver
New Line 22 Revolver. In production c. 1873-77; total made approximately 55,343.
22 rimfire caliber. 7-shot cylinder. 2-1/4" barrel length.
Grips of varnished rosewood. Nickel plated finish, or nickel plated frame with the balance blued.
Serial numbering in a distinct range, beginning with 1 and continuing to the end of production. Two standard barrel markings, variants of: COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. (additional line barrel marks DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON very scarce and worth premium). Left side of barrel etched: COLT NEW 22 (earliest production does not have this etched panel; very scarce); and 22 CAL stamped on left side of the frame. 1874 patent date marking present on pistols after 16000 serial range.
This was the only 22 caliber pistol manufactured in Colt’s New Line group, and as with the Open Top 22, manufacture was cut short by the overwhelming competition of cheap “suicide special” handguns. The New Line 22 type is quickly distinguished by the solid frame construction, 7-shot fluted cylinder, and the flat-sided barrel.
Major variations are:
First Model, in the serial range 1 - 16000; basically identified by the short cylinder flutes, the cylinder stop slots on outside, and the lack of patent date markings:
5B-164Short Cylinder Flute
| 5B-164 | Values—Very Good $200 | Exc. $550 |
Second Model, in the serial range 16000 - 55343; has long cylinder flutes, the locking slots on cylinder back, and patent date stamping on the barrel:
5B-165 Long Cylinder Flute
| 5B-165 | Values—Very Good $175 | Exc. $450 |
Colt New Line 30 Caliber Revolver
New Line 30 Caliber Revolver. (Not illus.) Same as 32 Caliber with long flutes. Made c. 1874-76; total quantity of about 11,000.
30 rimfire caliber. 5-shot cylinder. Barrel lengths of 1-3/4" and 2-1/4"; round.
Grips of varnished rosewood. Full nickel plated finish, or blued with casehardened frame.
Serial numbering was in an individual range, beginning with 1 and continuing to end of production. Two barrel markings standard, variants of: COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. CO/HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. Left side of barrel