Civil War Colt 1860 Army .44 Cal 8″ Black Powder Revolver MFD 1865 Antique

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SOLD FOR: $1,091.00

LSB#: LSB251207WA005

Make: Colt

Model: 1860 Army

Serial Number: 155868

Year of Manufacture: 1865 / Antique

Caliber: .44 Caliber Black Powder

Action Type: Single Action, Percussion Cap Revolver with Six-Round Rebated Cylinder

Markings: The top of the barrel address is barely legible but reads : ” —ADDRESS COL SAM COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA”. The left side of the frame reads “COLT’S PATENT”. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped “.44 CAL.” The Serial number “155868” is marked and legible on the frame, trigger guard, backstrap and bottom of the barrel assembly. The wedge is unmarked. The last 4 digits of the serial number are stamped on the cylinder “5868”.

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 one-piece smooth wood panels with notable shrinkage from age. There are large chips out of the bottom of the left side grip. There are signs and compression marks throughout the grips. The grips rate in Fair condition.

Type of Finish: Originally Blued and Case Colored with brass trigger guard.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. There is significant oxidation and pitting present throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains 0% of its original finish. All metal surfaces show significant multiple dings and scratches from operational wear from a service used pistol from a 160 year old revolver. There is light oxidation in the cylinder chambers. The screw heads are tool marked but serviceable. The serial numbers and most of the rest of the markings are legible. The revolver rates in about Good condition for a Civil War-era antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well with some play. The hammer holds at half- and full-cock. 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 Model 1860 Army stands among the most iconic sidearms of the American Civil War, serving as the principal .44 caliber revolver issued to Union forces. Introduced in 1860, it represented Colt’s most refined percussion design, pairing a streamlined frame with a rebated six shot cylinder capable of delivering increased power while maintaining balance and handling. By the end of production in 1873, more than 200,000 had been manufactured, with the majority produced during the war years. An 1865 dated example such as this was manufactured at the very close of the Civil War period, representing the final chapter of Colt’s large scale percussion revolver production before the transition to metallic cartridge arms.

This revolver retains none of its original blue or case colored finish, with all metal surfaces now showing a uniform aged patina along with numerous dings, scratches, and evidence of long service use consistent with a 160 year old sidearm. The serial numbers match on the frame, trigger guard, backstrap, and barrel assembly, and the last four digits are present on the cylinder. The bore is dark with worn rifling, significant oxidation, and pitting, rating 5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The one piece wood grip shows notable shrinkage with large chips at the bottom of the left panel and scattered handling marks, rating in Fair condition.

Mechanically, the action functions correctly, the hammer holds at half and full cock, and the cylinder locks up with some play. The screw heads show tool marks but remain serviceable, and most markings remain legible despite age and wear. As a Good condition Civil War era antique manufactured in 1865, this Colt 1860 Army reflects honest service wear and represents an important and historic American percussion revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!