My digital camera died just recently, so I've had to use my iPhone to take these. I'm afraid the images aren't that good. As soon as I replace my camera I'll take some proper pics of them. 'Til then, these will have to do.
When I started this project my goal was to have a pair of guns that would eventually become as close to original Colt 1872 Open Top's as possible in fit and finish. I think the end result was a success.
There were a number of gunsmiths and artisans involved in this project; an endeavour that took over three years.
About the guns -
Every piece has been hand fitted so that there isn't one line or surface that doesn't mate perfectly.
Every piece has been polished to perfection. The bluing is wonderful. When compared to other guns I own there is a marked difference in the bluing due to the polishing and the process used to achieve this finish.
The screws, wedge, trigger and ejector rod head have been nitre blued.
The frame, loading gate and hammer have been bone and charcoal casehardened.
The back strap and trigger guard have been silver plated.
The one piece ivory grips have been hand checkered. A set of oiled walnut grips were also fitted.
And finally, the guns have been chambered to fire the .44 Henry CF cartridge that I designed. It's basically a .44 Colt case with a heeled bullet. I wanted the guns to be historically accurate and be chambered for the same round that the 1860 Henry rifle is (was) chambered for. I converted my 1860 Henry to chamber a cartridge that uses a .44 Colt case and a heeled bullet that's 0.452" diameter outside measured. My Henry cartridge uses a 225 gr bullet. While these guns will shoot it with no problems, the recoil of that round is excessive. So I use a 165 gr bullet with them to reduce the recoil and prolong the life of the guns. They are very accurate with either cartridge.
Sorry for the EDIT but if photobucket won't allow your picture to post, I won't allow them to PIMP their advertisement for ransom
On the left is my .44 Henry CF cartridge using a 225 gr heeled bullet. On the right is the .44 Colt cartridge using a 165 gr heeled bullet that I use in these guns to reduce the recoil and punishment placed on them.
In the foreground are the Henry and Colt cartridges, and a 12 gauge brass shell.
In the center are a .44 2-1/4" (.44-77) SBN (Sharps Bottle Neck) with a paper patched 407 grn swaged bullet, and a .45 2-1.10" (.45-70) with a 500 grn jacketed soft point. Both hit like freight trains out of my Sharps rifles.
In the rear are a Randall Toothpick with ivory scales, and a Sambar Stag handled Randall Skinner with damascus blade.
An 1849 Baby Dragoon rounds out the picture.