Antique Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Cal 8″ Percussion Cap/Ball Revolver 1862
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB260301JH015
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 66188
Year of Manufacture: 1862 (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .44 Cal.
Action Type: Single Action Ball & Cap Percussion Revolver with 6-Shot Cylinder.
Markings: The left side of the barrel has a “6” stamped above the wedge pin. The top of the barrel is stamped with “ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA”, though very faint. The bottom of the barrel lug is marked with the serial number. The left side of the frame is marked with “COLTS PATENT”. The bottom of the barrel pin is stamped with 3 digits of the serial number. The bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and bottom of the frame butt is stamped with the serial number. There is an “H” stamped just behind the trigger guard. There is a stamped “H” at the top of the back strap. The rebated cylinder has the naval scene, Battle of Campeche marked, as well as “PATENT No. 689”, though both are very faint.
Barrel Length: 8″ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a ‘V’ notch in the hammer, which is visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. There are light handling marks and compression marks. There is material loss and chips along the bottom of the grip next to the front strap. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate Good-Very Good condition for their age.
Type of Finish: Blued / Brass
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is defined. There is erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 7% of its metal finish. The finish is mostly worn away, with areas of patina and some blue on the load lever. There are scattered scratches and handling marks. There is corrosion pitting throughout the metal surfaces. The brass is showing signs of darkening from age. The markings are faint to worn away. The screw heads are worn with serviceable slots. Overall, this revolver rates in Fair-Good condition for its age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight on each chamber, but there is significant end shake. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. With this revolver being an antique, it is recommended to consult a qualified gunsmith before attempting to fire.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This antique Colt Model 1860 Army is an authentic Civil War-era percussion revolver manufactured in 1862, one of the most active years of Colt production during the conflict. The 1860 Army became the principal revolver carried by Union cavalry troops and officers, combining the powerful .44 caliber chambering of the earlier Dragoon revolvers with a lighter and more streamlined frame. Its graceful rebated cylinder, round barrel, creeping loading lever, and improved balance helped make it one of Samuel Colt’s most successful percussion handguns. This example still retains traces of the faint “ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA” barrel marking and portions of the classic rebated cylinder naval engagement scene, features strongly associated with original Colt percussion revolvers of the period.
This revolver rates in about Fair-Good condition for its age, retaining only traces of its original finish with most surfaces now aged to patina, along with scattered scratches, handling marks, corrosion pitting, and darkening of the brass grip frame from age. The walnut grip remains comparatively solid, showing handling wear, compression marks, and some material loss near the front strap, but no cracks. The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling and visible erosion throughout, rating 5/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the chambers lock tightly, though notable end shake is present. As with any Civil War-era percussion revolver, inspection by a qualified gunsmith is strongly recommended before any attempt at firing. Even with its wear, this remains a genuine 1862 Colt Army revolver with unmistakable wartime character and strong appeal for collectors of Civil War arms, Colt percussion revolvers, and American antique firearms. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY