Early Colt House Gun Cloverleaf 3″ .41 Rimfire Revolver, MFD 1871 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,680.66
LSB#: 200115LL14
Make: Colt
Model: Cloverleaf House Model Revolver
Serial Number: 822
Year of Manufacture: 1871 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .41 Rimfire
Action Type: Single Action, Side-Loading Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S HOUSE PISTOL / HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The bottom of the barrel, the butt of the frame and the front face of the cylinder are each marked “822”, found again hand-written on the inside of each grip panel.
Barrel Length: 3″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth walnut panels. The grips show very light handling wear with some scattered light compressions and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Silver-plated Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. The bore has scattered light erosion with some light pitting.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 30% of its metal finish. The barrel has generally strong finish with light nicks, scratches and handling marks. The cylinder has light wear scattered throughout with several light nicks, scratches and scuffs. The hammer has generally strong finish with operational wear and some light surface oxidation. The steel surfaces show light discoloration from oxidation in most of the worn/scratched areas. The exposed portions of the brass frame have only infrequent remnants of the silver plate, but there is more on the sides of the frame concealed by the grips. The brass shows a mustard patina with some scattered light nicks and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has light play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. 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 Cloverleaf House model represented a huge leap forward for revolver design. Chambered for the .41 rimfire cartridge, the House revolver’s fluted four-round cylinder gives 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. This example is in quite nice condition for a 150 year old gun with much of its original blue and some of its silver-plate remaining, strong mechanics, and a decent bore. At serial 822 of nearly 10,000 made, it is also quite early in production of this revolutionary Colt. For the dedicated collector, this Cloverleaf is not one to pass up. Please see our photos and good luck!