Colt 1860 Army .44 Caliber 8″ Black Powder Revolver MFD 1863 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,100.00
LSB#: WY250408GF050
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 138004
Year of Manufacture: 1863 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: .44 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action, 6 Round Cylinder, Percussion.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA”. The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The bottom of the barrel, frame, trigger guard and butt of the frame are marked “138004”
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are 2 smooth wood panels. There is moderate handling wear as well as some chips and field repairs. The butt has a hole carved in it, probably for a lanyard to be installed at one point. The grips rate in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued / Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is worn. There is light erosion and scattered pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains around 40% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows typical handling and operational wear as well as surface oxidation. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. This revolver rates in Good overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up properly and indexes as expected. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt 1860 Army revolver is one of the most iconic sidearms of the American Civil War, prized for its powerful .44 caliber chambering, streamlined design, and battlefield reliability. Manufactured from 1860 to 1873, over 200,000 of these revolvers saw service, making it a staple sidearm for Union cavalry and officers.
This particular example, dated to 1863, was produced during the height of the war and retains matching serial numbers across major components. While the original finish has largely aged away, the patina, markings, and functionality all contribute to its historic charm.
Collectors and Civil War enthusiasts alike will appreciate the originality and integrity of this antique Colt. With its solid mechanics and surviving details, it serves as both a functional relic and an evocative piece of 19th-century martial history. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bid -M.C.
