Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Cal Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver, 1863 Antique Commercial with E.L. Gallatin & Co Slim Jim Holster
SOLD FOR: $3,676.50
LSB#: 201013JI01
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 130543
Year of Manufacture: 1863 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44 Caliber Ball
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Cylinder Loaded Percussion Revolver
Markings: The bottom-rear of the barrel assembly is marked “1 / 130543”. The underside of the frame in front of the trigger guard is marked “130543 / 1”. The bottom of the grip frame in front of the trigger guard, and the bottom of the backstrap are each marked “130543”. The bottom of the arbor is marked “0543”. The outside of the cylinder has a roll-marked naval scene and “?OLTS PATENT No 0543 / PATENTED SEPT 10th 1850”. The bottom of the wedge is marked “8107”. The top of the barrel is marked “-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-“. The left of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “44 CAL” on the flat at the rear. The rear face of the barrel assembly is marked “22” and “IS” or “SI”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “7”.
Barrel Length: 8”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece smooth walnut. The grip has light-moderate handling wear with some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are areas of thinning finish. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Brass
Finish Originality: The finish appears original to the parts, the wedge is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn, but visible. There is moderate-heavy erosion scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 20% of its metal finish. There is finish remaining on the bottom of the barrel with some scattered spots of blue elsewhere on the barrel assembly. The frame has some case color remaining under the recoil shield and cylinder. Other surfaces are worn to white, some show a light patina. There is some scattered light erosion as well as nicks, scuffs and scratches. The trigger guard has a mustard patina with some scattered darker discoloration. The action has operational wear. There is erosion around all of the nipples. The strike-face of the hammer appears to have been built up with weld. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly disfigured with useable slots. The markings are generally clear, the cylinder naval scene retains about 80% of the design. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has no play to the frame. The cylinder locks up with very little play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a tooled brown leather slim-jim style holster. The belt loop is marked “EL. GALLATIN & CO / MAKERS”, this marking is worn and incomplete. The holster has some losses at edges, broken stitching at the trigger guard cover. There is scattered wear, and discoloration. Overall, the holster is in about Very Good condition given its age (1862-1865). More information about Mr. Gallatin can be found here: https://www.vintagegunleather.com/company-marks/gallatin_history.html
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was easily the most popular army revolver on both sides of the conflict during the American Civil War. Approximately 127,000 of these revolvers were purchased for use by Union forces and several of the Confederate states had obtained a few thousand before the start of the hostilities as well. The Model 1860 Army was the successor to the Third Model Dragoon and ranks third in total number produced of the various models of percussion Colt handguns. This revolver was made in 1863 and appears to be a commercial model, lacking any martial markings. All numbered parts are matching except for the wedge. The revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique with a bore which is not too bad for 150 years of black powder use, most markings clear, and strong mechanics. It also comes with a contemporary holster, whose maker has his own interesting story which includes being robbed by Confederate soldiers at gunpoint. This revolver is a decent example of the 1860 and was made during an important period of American history as the nation roiled from the Civil War. Please see our pictures and good luck!