Approximately 7,000 Open Top revolvers were manufactured in 1872 and 1873. The majority of the components were newly manufactured, but some components were left over from prior percussion models. This early example correctly has the old style "COLT/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame instead of the 1871 and 1872 patent dates. The top of the barrel is marked "-- ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW - YORK U.S. AMERICA --". The cylinder has the naval battle scene. The matching three digit serial number is on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. It has a blade front sight and a notch at the breech end of the barrel for a rear sight. The majority of these revolvers saw hard use, and thus, surviving examples are difficult to obtain. This design was rejected by the U.S. Army in 1872 because a stronger frame and more powerful cartridge than the .44 Henry was desired. As a result, William Mason worked to create what became the .45 Colt Model 1873 better known as the Single Action Army.

Very good as cleaned. Most of the metal surfaces are bright/light gray and display pin prick pitting. Traces of original blue finish remains on the underside of the barrel lug, and traces are on the ejector housing. The frame and hammer have traces of the original case colors. The trigger has strong niter bluer. The grip frame has primarily an aged patina but retains original silver plating around the trigger guard. The markings, including the cylinder scene, remain mostly crisp. The grip is fine with scrapes and dings and significant lower edge wear including some chipping. The action functions fine. This is a rare opportunity to obtain an important model in the evolution of Colt firearms which is seldom encountered in blue finish with any finish at all!.