Colt 1860 Army Richards-Mason Conversion 44 Colt CF Revolver 8″ Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,535.00
LSB#: LSB250513CW027
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army Richards-Mason Conversion
Serial Number: 199912
Year of Manufacture: Antique (Originally manufactured prior to 1899, converted post-war)
Caliber: .44 Colt Centerfire
Action Type: Single Action Revolver
Barrel Length: 8″
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with a single-line Hartford address. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the classic Colt naval battle scene and is numbered to the gun. The conversion ring has a rear sight notch. The wedge is nickel-plated and the ejector rod housing extends forward of the cylinder.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a notch in the conversion ring.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one-piece walnut, showing wear and signs of use consistent with age. There is a loss at the front strap near the butt on the right side, and both grips have a minor chip and heavy wear at the toes. Despite the wear, the grips remain securely attached and structurally sound.
Type of Finish: Nickel (Factory Renickel)
Finish Originality: Factory Renickeled
Finish Condition: The revolver retains approximately 75-80% of its factory-renickel finish, showing areas of flaking, thinning, and scattered marks that have blended with patches of grey patina. There is some minor oxidation under the loading gate, consistent with age and use.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is some erosion present, but it remains in good condition for its age. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Mechanics: The action is tight and crisp. The hammer holds securely at half- and full-cock, the cylinder indexes properly, and the trigger breaks cleanly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: Includes a leather holster and belt rig marked “HUNTER.”
Our Assessment:
This Colt Model 1860 Army revolver has been given new life through the famous Richards-Mason cartridge conversion, adapting the classic percussion design for .44 Colt centerfire cartridges. A hallmark of Colt’s ingenuity in the post-Civil War period, this revolver bridges the gap between black powder and cartridge age.
The roll-engraved naval scene cylinder and barrel address markings add authenticity and charm, while the period renickeled finish lends a uniform aesthetic that shows age without masking its historic character. The grips exhibit the honest wear of a sidearm that may have seen decades of use, possibly even frontier service.
Adding to its appeal is a vintage leather holster and belt rig, marked “HUNTER,” offering a classic and functional display or carry option that enhances the Old West aesthetic. Collectors of Colt conversions, 19th-century arms, and transitional firearms will find this rig a handsome, well-rounded addition to their collection. So bid high and bid firm. I highly recommend reviewing the item’s condition using our high-quality photos in our link. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
