Colt Open Top Pocket Model Revolver

Did You Know?

• The Open Top Pocket Model was chambered in .22 Short and .22 Long, both using black powder as the propellant.
• It had a 7-shot non-fluted cylinder.
• Two barrel lengths were available: 2+3/8 in and 2+7/8 in.

History and design

After the Rollin White patent for bored-through cylinders expired around 1870, Colt began developing its own metallic cartridge revolvers, having previously produced Richards-Mason conversions. The company introduced its first rear-loaders in 1871: the Colt House/Cloverleaf and the Colt Open Top Pocket Model Revolver. Rather than compete with cheap .22 caliber Smith & Wesson Model One knockoffs selling for about $2, Colt president Richard Jarvis insisted on Colt quality, pricing the Open Top Pocket at $8. The frame was brass, sometimes plated with silver or nickel, while the barrel and cylinder were blued or nickel plated. Rosewood or walnut grips on a bird's head style frame were used. Loading was through a groove rearward of the cylinder; early models had an ejector rod until 1874, after which the cylinder had to be removed to empty casings.