Make: Colt

Model: New Line .32, First Model

Serial Number: 8058

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 pearl panels. The grips have even handling wear with some 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 pitting and erosion scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 4/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered wear and oxidation, primarily concentrated on the cylinder around the cylinder gap, and at the muzzle. There is notable erosion around the front of the cylinder and rear of the barrel. There are some scattered light 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-plus condition as Antique, see Mechanics.

Mechanics: The timing is off, the cylinder tends to over-rotate slightly. 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 70% of its original nickel finish with factory engraving and pearl 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!