Make: Colt

Model: New Line .32, First Model

Serial Number: 5667

Year of Manufacture: 1874

Caliber: .32 Short and Long, Black Powder

Action Type: Single Action Side-Loading Revolver

Barrel Length: 2 1/4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U" notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth ivory panels. The grips have even handling wear with some minor nicks and scratches. There is some scattered discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well-defined. There is scattered pitting and erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in evenly scattered wear and minor oxidation. There is notable damage to the cylinder pin retaining assembly, we were not able to remove the cylinder pin. There are some other scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with a strong slot. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this handgun is in Good condition as Antique, see Mechanics.

Mechanics: The cylinder is not free to rotate when the hammer is on the safety notch. We were not able to remove the cylinder pin. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Just a few years after the Clover Leaf House Model revolver, the New Line was introduced almost simultaneously with the classic Single Action Army. With a smaller frame and chambered for smaller rimfire and center-fire cartridges, the New Line took the repeating capability of their earlier pocket percussion revolvers and shrunk it down to a size closer to their single-shot derringers. This example is a .32 rimfire produced in 1874. It has serial-matching parts and retains about 50% of its original nickel finish with factory engraving and ivory grips. This is a neat example of the New Line revolver, a nice find for the dedicated Colt collector. Please see our photos and good luck!