Taylor's & Company Model 1872 Open Top Army .38 Special Revolver – 7.5" Barrel, Color Case-Hardened Frame, Engraved Cylinder
This Uberti-made Taylor’s & Company 1872 Open Top Army faithfully recreates Colt’s short-lived transition from percussion to metallic-cartridge revolvers. Chambered in .38 Special, it blends a forged color case-hardened steel frame with a 7.5-inch blued barrel and a roll-engraved naval battle scene on the cylinder. Fresh 2024 Italian CIP proofs verify modern manufacture, while the one-piece walnut grip and half-cock safety notches preserve 19th-century handling.
Condition
Overall Condition: As-new condition with no signs of prior handling beyond what’s typical from inspection (see photos).
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal shows only minor, superficial scratches and small blemishes that do not affect function or appearance at typical viewing distance.
What’s Included
- Taylor’s & Company branded soft zippered pistol rug
- Factory instruction manuals (Taylor’s & Company and A. Uberti)
- Factory cardboard box with SKU label
Built by Uberti and imported by Taylor’s & Company under SKU 550695, this revolver mirrors the scarce 1871-72 Colt Open Top Army while benefiting from precise modern machining. The wedge-retained barrel, separate ejector assembly, and open-top frame capture the look and balance of the original transitional design.
A forged steel frame wears a vivid color case-hardened finish that contrasts with the deep-blued barrel and cylinder. The cylinder’s Ormsby-style naval battle scene is factory roll-engraved, delivering period-correct detail without aftermarket work.
Chambered for readily available .38 Special, the revolver offers low-recoil shooting while retaining the six-shot capacity and single-action operation collectors expect. Fixed blade-and-notch sights replicate the original pattern for an authentic sight picture.
Safety is period-appropriate yet practical: a half-cock notch allows safe loading, and additional hammer safety notches provide secure carry at rest. Italian 2024 year code and CIP marks confirm proof testing to current standards.
From its one-piece walnut grip to its polished, mirror-bright bore, this Open Top Army stands out as a clean, ready-to-enjoy example of an iconic frontier revolver reproduced with modern reliability.