Colt 1861 Navy Richards-Mason .38 CF 4.5″ Single Action Conversion Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,975.00
LSB#: LSB260622FM063
Make: Colt
Model: 1861 Navy, Richards-Mason Conversion
Serial Number: 2041
Year of Manufacture: 1861 / Antique
Caliber: .38 Centerfire
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, 6-Shot
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA –“. The cylinder is marked “COLTS PATENT No 041”. The frame is marked “PAT. JULY 25. 1871. — PAT. JULY 2. 1872. –“. The serial number “2041” is marked on the bottom of the barrel assembly, the frame, the trigger guard, and the buttstrap, with an additional “1” under the serial number on the frame, trigger guard, and buttstrap. The rear of the loading gate is marked “4127”.
Barrel Length: 4.5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass blade dovetailed to the barrel near the muzzle. The rear sight is a notch in the hammer.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver is fitted with wood grips. The grip is refinished. There is a repair at the left toe and the right back strap. The grip is not flush with the grip straps. Overall, the grips are in Fair condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel, Silver-plated brass
Finish Originality: Original to conversion
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined. There is erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 25% of its nickel finish. The finish has been aggressively cleaned. The barrel has been shortened from its original length. The screw heads show use with usable slots. The markings are clear. The serial numbers are matching. Overall, this revolver is in Fair condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt 1861 Navy Richards-Mason conversion, serial number 2041, manufactured in 1861 and subsequently converted to fire .38 centerfire metallic cartridges. The Richards-Mason system, covered by patents dated July 25, 1871 and July 2, 1872, was Colt’s method for bringing their percussion revolvers into the cartridge era, adding a breech plate with loading gate and an ejector rod to the existing 1861 Navy frame. This six-shot single action retains the early 1861 Navy architecture with the full conversion assembly, including the distinctive bullseye liver shaped ejector head. The barrel has been shortened to 4.5 inches and carries the Colt barrel address on top, with a brass blade front sight dovetailed near the muzzle and a notch in the hammer for the rear. The revolver is finished in nickel with silver-plated brass, original to the conversion, retaining about 25% of the nickel with evidence of aggressive cleaning. The serial number 2041 appears on the bottom of the barrel assembly, the frame, the trigger guard, and the buttstrap, with an additional 1 stamped under the serial on the frame, trigger guard, and buttstrap. The rear of the loading gate is marked 4127, and the cylinder carries the Colt patent marking. The wood grips have been refinished and show a repair at the left toe and right back strap, and they are not flush with the grip straps. The action functions properly. Richards-Mason conversions represent an important transitional chapter in Colt’s history, bridging the percussion and cartridge eras, and this example would make a solid addition to a collection of Colt conversions or 19th-century American revolvers. Please see our photos and good luck! -MY