Make: Colt
Model: House Pistol
Serial Number: 8921
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 wood panels. The interior of each panel has "8921" hand-written. The grips have even handling wear with scattered nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Nickel
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match
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 70% of its metal finish. There is fairly evenly scattered light wear, nicks and scratches, exposing brass under the plating on the frame. There is some scattered light oxidation on the steel parts with infrequent erosion. The action shows 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: Included is a Colt Archives letter indicating this revolver shipped in its current configuration on May 6, 1875 to Schuyler, Hartley and Graham in New York, NY as one of 10 guns of the same type in the shipment.
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 the majority of its original metal finish, a fair bore and strong mechanics. At serial 8921 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!
