This Colt Open Top Type Walker is a finely crafted .44 caliber percussion revolver — a faithful reproduction of one of the most iconic designs in American firearms history. Serial number 36423. Presented with its Certificate of Ownership.
This revolver is a distinguished part of the private collection of HRH Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, son of the last King of Italy, Umberto II. An authentic Certificate of Ownership accompanies this piece.
Historical Significance
The Colt Walker and its refined successors, the Dragoon series, represent a defining chapter in 19th-century firearms development. Designed in 1846–1848 through the collaboration between Samuel Colt and Captain Samuel Walker of the Texas Rangers, these massive .44 caliber revolvers were the most powerful handguns of their era. The open-top frame design — a hallmark of all Colt percussion revolvers — became the foundation upon which every subsequent Colt revolver was built, from the 1851 Navy through the legendary 1873 Single Action Army. This reproduction faithfully captures the Dragoon-era proportions and markings, including the historically correct barrel address "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" and the "COLT'S PATENT" frame marking, both authentic to the 1848–1860 production period. The machined fluted cylinder, without the traditional roll-engraved Rangers and Comanche scene, gives this piece a distinctly clean and purposeful aesthetic.
Technical Specifications
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Manufacturer: Colt (Italian reproduction)
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Model: Open Top Type Walker / Dragoon-style
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Serial Number: 36423
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Caliber: .44 (percussion — cap and ball)
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Action: Single-action, percussion
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Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
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Barrel Length: approx. 190 mm (7.5")
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Overall Length: approx. 340 mm (13.4")
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Weight: approx. 1.90 kg (4.2 lbs)
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Barrel: Half-octagon / half-round, blued steel
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Frame: Open-top, case-hardened steel
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Cylinder: 6-shot, machined flutes (no engraved scene)
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Trigger Guard: Silver-plated brass
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Backstrap: Silver-plated brass
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Grips: One-piece walnut
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Sights: Fixed blade front, hammer notch rear
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Loading Lever: Under-barrel, with spring latch
Markings
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Barrel: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" (with dash finials)
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Frame (left side): "COLT'S / PATENT"
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Frame (bottom): "36422" and "36423" (sequential serial numbers)
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Butt (bottom): "4267"
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Backstrap: Script marking (appears to read "Saul 80" — possibly maker's mark or assembly reference)
Note: Two sequential serial numbers (36422 and 36423) are stamped on the underside of the frame, which is consistent with Italian reproduction practices where different components may carry different serial numbers. The barrel address with dash finials "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" is historically accurate for the Colt Dragoon production period (1848–1860).
Condition
Very good overall condition. Case-hardened frame retains vivid color patterns in blues, grays and straw hues. Blued finish on barrel and cylinder is deep and well-preserved with only minor handling marks. Silver-plated brass backstrap and trigger guard show honest age patina and minor tarnishing consistent with years of careful storage. Walnut grips in very good shape with smooth finish and no cracks. Cylinder flutes clean and sharp. Mechanics appear functional. All markings legible.
What's Included
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1x Colt Open Top Type Walker percussion revolver (S/N 36423)
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Certificate of Ownership — V.E. de Savoie Collection
