Antique First Model Colt New Line 22 Pocket Revolver

Description: Serial #424022 RF, 2 1/4 barrel with a mostly bright very good plus bore showing a few small spots of mild oxidation and strong rifling throughout. This is the first model Colt New Line 22 Revolver manufactured from 1873-77 distinguished by short cylinder flutes, outside cylinder stop slots and lack of patent date markings. The metal surfaces retain about 95-97% original nickel finish with most of the loss due to some flaked areas along two cylinder flutes and flats toning to gray-brown, and some other tinier flakes and light handling marks. The hammer, trigger and screw heads show generous amounts of the original niter blue and the markings remain strong. The smooth rosewood grips remain in very fine condition retaining strong original varnish showing some scattered light handling marks. The left panel is pencil-numbered to the gun, the right is un-numbered and their fit is very fine. The action functions well mechanically with very good timing and lock-up. An excellent early example of this well built Colt New Line Little Colt. Antique.