Summary

Colt New Line Pocket rimfire revolver, 2nd model, cal. .220 in., rifled round barrel with flat sides 56 mm (2 1/4 inch) long.

Made by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co, Hartford, Connecticut. Serial number 47371, 1877.

Physical Description

Seven chambered long fluted cylinder, cylinder flutes show varying levels of corrosion, solid bronze frame and backstrap silver plated, plating shows some wear in areas, sheath trigger, dark brown two-piece finely non-chequered birdshead wooden grips fixed by a centrally mounted screw. Bladed front sight, loading flute on frame R.H.side, hammer shows strong original blueing, as do most scew heads. Engraved down the back strap is the address of London gunmaker, F.T. Baker. Indistinguishable mark at rear end of cylinder flutes probably British proofmarks, British proofmarks stamped under barrel at cylinder end.

Significance

Most of the New Line models appeared across 1873-74 following the success had by the preceeding Colt Open-Top .22 and Cloverleaf models. The New Lines were produced in a variety of sizes ranging from the smallest at .22 rimfire up to the .41 rimfire, and .41 centrefire. The first models, appearing before 1876, had shorter cylinder flutes and stopping slots on the outer rear face of the cylinder. The later, or second model, had the flutes extended back, and the stopping cut on the back of the cylinder. In advertising literature of the period, many arms dealers and distributors favoured nicknames for the various New Line models. Prominent distributor, B. Kittredge & Co, advertised the model in 1878 under the followed titles: calibre .22 - The Little Colt, calibre .30 - The Pony Colt, calibre .32 - The Ladies Colt, calibre .38 - The Pet Colt, calibre .41 - The Big Colt. The last model of the New Lines was produced in 1886, thirteen years after they began.

More Information