Make: Colt

Model: House Pistol

Serial Number: 8491

Year of Manufacture: 1875

Caliber: .41 Short and Long Rimfire, Black Powder

Action Type: Single Action Side-Loading Revolver

Barrel Length: 2 5/8"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V" notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth pearl panels. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue and Silver-Plated Brass

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is scattered light erosion and patches of pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 6/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is mostly blue on the steel parts, showing scattered light wear. Most exposed portions of the frame have lost their silver, but there is some under the grips. There is infrequent minor oxidation on the steel parts. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this handgun is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: 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: Colt's first ever solid frame, metallic cartridge revolver, the House Pistol represented a huge leap forward for revolver design. Chambered for the .41 rimfire cartridge, the House revolver originally featured a fluted four-round cylinder giving it the name "Cloverleaf" due to the shape of the cylinder when viewed from the front or rear. The chambers of the Cloverleaf were recessed, a feature not to return to Colt revolvers for many years and a particularly important safety feature for rimfire guns which can have a cartridge set off by impact on the edges of the rim. Later examples such as this one featured a cylindrical five-round cylinder. This pistol is in quite nice condition for a 151 year old gun, retaining some of its original metal finish, a fair bore and strong mechanics. It features pearl grips and factory engraving. At serial 8491 of nearly 10,000 made, it is toward the end of production, soon to be replaced by more modern centerfire and double action designs. For the dedicated collector, this House Pistol is not one to pass up. Please see our photos and good luck!