Early Colt House Gun Cloverleaf 3″ .41 Rimfire Revolver, MFD 1871 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,026.00
LSB#: LSB260125DW039
Make: Colt
Model: Cloverleaf House Model Revolver
Serial Number: 2054
Year of Manufacture: 1871 / Antique
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 and the butt of the frame are each marked “2054”, 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. The left grip is cracked across the top. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fair – Good condition as antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Silver-plated Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. The bore has scattered light erosion with some light pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most of the blue has worn to white and taken to a dark mottled patina with scattered oxidation and erosion. 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 Good 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 strong mechanics, and a decent bore. At serial 2054 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! – L.S.