Colt Model 1860 .44 Caliber Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver, 1863 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1625
LSB#: 220221TB004
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 134948
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 top of the barrel is marked “-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-“. The left of the frame is marked “COLTS / ???”. There is no serial marking on the barrel assembly. The underside of the frame in front of the trigger guard is marked “134948”. The bottom of the grip frame in front of the trigger guard is marked “13494”. There is no serial marking on the butt of the backstrap. The bottom of the cylinder arbor is marked “494?”. The bottom of the wedge is marked “5675”. There are no serial markings on the cylinder.
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 7 3/4”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade, fixed to the barrel. There is a “V” notch rear sight in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one piece smooth walnut. The grip has light handling wear with a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The grip is generally shy to the metal with losses at the bottom front corner on each side. There are no cracks. Overall, the grip is in Good-Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Brass
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is light-moderate erosion and pitting scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 95% of its current metal finish. The blued finish is generally strong throughout with a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and operational wear on the lodaing gate. There are some scattered nicks and scratches under the finish. There is some stubborn oxidation on internal parts such as the cylinder arbor. The brass trigger guard has some scattered minor discoloration. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The remaining markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition as refinished Antique (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The retaining pin for the loading lever latch is missing. The cylinder locks up properly on five chambers, but on the sixth the cylinder can be pushed out of lock fairly easily. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light-moderate play side-to-side on each chamber with minor end-shake. The barrel has no play to the frame. 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: None.
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 has since been restored, so it looks great despite its age. Some of the markings were removed when the revolver was refinished, so it is difficult to know for sure if this was a martial or commercial gun. This revolver represents an important piece of history, and we only wish it could tell us its story. Please see our pictures and good luck!