The Colt 1872 Open Top revolver, often overshadowed by its more famous successor, the Colt Single Action Army (SAA), holds a significant place in firearms history. While not as widely produced or romanticized in popular culture, understanding its features and historical context reveals a fascinating piece of the Wild West's legacy. This in-depth exploration will examine its design, operation, variations, and lasting impact.
Design and Operation: A Simple Yet Effective Revolver
The Colt 1872 Open Top's design, while seemingly rudimentary compared to later models, was revolutionary for its time. Its defining feature, the open top, allowed for easy loading and unloading of cartridges. This design, however, also presented a vulnerability: exposed cartridges were susceptible to damage from dirt and debris, leading to malfunctions. This inherent limitation contributed to the development of the closed-top SAA.
Key Features:
- .44 Colt Caliber: The most common caliber, though variations existed. This powerful cartridge was a significant factor in the revolver's effectiveness.
- Single-Action Mechanism: The hammer needed to be cocked manually before each shot, a characteristic shared with its successor.
- Seven-Shot Cylinder: Provided a respectable capacity for the time, though reloading was slower compared to later, speed-loading designs.
- Simple Construction: Utilizing readily available materials and relatively straightforward manufacturing techniques, contributing to its affordability.
Variations and Production: A Limited but Significant Run
Production of the Colt 1872 Open Top was relatively short-lived, contributing to its collector value today. While exact figures vary depending on the source, it's generally accepted that significantly fewer were produced compared to the SAA. This scarcity, coupled with its historical significance, makes finding well-preserved examples a rewarding pursuit for firearms enthusiasts and collectors.
Notable Variations:
- Different Frame Sizes: Minor variations in frame size existed, influencing the overall dimensions and weight of the revolver.
- Caliber Variations: Though predominantly chambered in .44 Colt, some rarer examples exist in other calibers.
- Finish Variations: The finish of the revolver varied, with blued steel being the most common.
Historical Context and Legacy: A Bridge to the Single Action Army
The Colt 1872 Open Top serves as a crucial link between earlier percussion revolvers and the iconic Colt Single Action Army. Its design flaws, particularly the exposed cartridges, led directly to the improvements incorporated in the SAA, specifically the closed-top cylinder. While it didn't achieve the same legendary status as its successor, its role in the evolution of Colt revolvers is undeniable. It was a significant player during a period of rapid technological advancement in firearms design and a key part of the Old West's history.
Collector's Value and Modern Appreciation: A Piece of History
The Colt 1872 Open Top is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and historical significance. Its relatively simple design, compared to later firearms, makes it a fascinating study in the evolution of firearm technology. Its place in the pantheon of iconic Colt revolvers, albeit a lesser-known one, solidifies its enduring appeal among firearms enthusiasts and historians. Finding a well-preserved example requires diligence and knowledge of the market, but the reward for a dedicated collector is the ownership of a piece of American firearms history.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Predecessor
The Colt 1872 Open Top revolver, despite its relatively short production run and the overshadowing presence of the Colt Single Action Army, deserves recognition for its role in shaping the course of firearm design. Its simple yet effective design, coupled with its historical context, makes it a fascinating subject for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its legacy lies not just in its performance but in its contribution to the evolution of one of the most iconic firearms in American history.
