Colt introduced their “New Line” of revolvers in 1873. There were designed by William Mason and ultimately came in five different models in calibers from .22 to .41, all using solid frames, spur triggers, and stylish bird’s head grips. This is a very nice example of their 5-shot, .41 revolver, made from 1874 to 1879 with a total production run of about 7,000 according to Flayderman (with some other estimates reaching a bit over 9,000,) made in both centerfire, as this one is, and rimfire. Serial numbers were mixed in with other “New Line” models. This one is #8535, giving it an 1877 date, and placing among the “Second Model” pistols falling into the 3200-10700 range that use longer cylinder flutes and place the locking slots on the back of the cylinder.

The metal is smooth overall, showing mostly gray and thin brown, though with blue on the cylinder pin, some faint hints of case color on the right rear frame, and some nitre-blue on the rear of the hammer. The varnished rosewood grips have a tight fit with good contours and edges, showing good finish with small, light dings near the top and outer edges. The mechanics function well. The bore is slightly dirty, but had good rifling.

The 2 ¼ inch barrel retains the front sight and is correctly marked on the top: COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. and on the underside: PAT SEPT 15 1874 / 8535. The stamping on the top is crisp; that on the underside is good and fully legible, but shows some rubbing and scratches. The left side of the barrel is etched: COLT NEW 41, with the “4” a bit rubbed and the etching faint from the graying of the barrel. The left side of the frame, below the cylinder, is clearly stamped “41 CAL C” indicating .41 caliber centerfire. The loading gate is in place. The pistol also shows London proof marks: the crown/V and crown/GP, indicating it was exported to Great Britain.

This model of the “New Line” series was clearly meant to answer demand in the civilian market for a pocket revolver combining a robust solid frame and relatively heavy .41 caliber with bird’s head grips and spur trigger that made it both easier to draw in a hurry and stylish, though it was only the lighter .32 version that persisted until 1884. Some attribute their fading out to an influx of cheap “suicide specials” and other pocket pistols, but Colt had also moved on, with the double-action “Lightning” and “Thunderer” in 1877, both retaining those stylish grips and respectable .38 and .41 caliber rounds. This is a key piece in a Colt collection and, given the British connection of this pistol, it would make a good addition also to a collection of 19^th century traveler’s or explorer’s arms.  [sr][ph:m/L]

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