POTD: Exhibition Quality Colt New Line – A Golden Masterpiece
Sam.S 03.14.25
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This Colt New Line .41 caliber pocket revolver represents something truly special in the world of 19th century firearms – a factory exhibition piece created specifically to showcase the pinnacle of Colt’s craftsmanship. Made during the mid-1870s when Colt was introducing their new line of metallic cartridge revolvers, this particular example lacks a serial number, strongly suggesting it was purpose-built for display rather than commercial sale. While many New Line revolvers were everyday carry pieces, this one was destined for far grander settings. The revolver features breathtaking factory engraving covering 75% of its surfaces, with intricate vine and scroll patterns executed on a punched background in the same high-quality style found on Colt’s famous “wheel display” pieces from the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. What makes this example particularly striking is its combination of finishes – gold plating on the barrel and cylinder, color casehardening on the frame, and nitre blue on the small parts. This variety of finishes on a single gun required exceptional skill and significantly increased production costs, explaining why such treatments were typically reserved for exhibition pieces. The spur trigger and smooth antique ivory grips are typical of the New Line series, which included five different calibers ranging from .22 to .41. This larger .41 caliber version was produced from 1874 to 1879, making it among the less common variants. The revolver’s association with a desirable “pipe” style leather case enhances both its presentation and historical significance. Such cases were typically reserved for high-end display guns rather than standard production models. Whether this spectacular revolver was created for a specific exposition, retail display, or presentation gift, it stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship Colt was capable of during the American Centennial era.
“Engraved Gold and Casehardened Colt New Line .41 Revolver.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4090/156/engraved-gold-and-casehardened-colt-new-line-41-revolver. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
