Antique Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Cal 8″ Percussion Cap/Ball Revolver 1863
SOLD FOR: $2,051.00
LSB#: LSB260625WM048
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 131410
Year of Manufacture: 1863 / Antique (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .44 Cal.
Action Type: Single Action Ball & Cap Percussion Revolver with 6-Shot Cylinder.
Markings: The top of the barrel is stamped with “-ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-“. The bottom of the barrel lug is marked “131410”. The left side of the frame is marked with “COLTS PATENT”. The bottom of the cylinder arbor is stamped “1410”. The bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and bottom of the frame butt is stamped “131410”. There is an “H” stamped just behind the trigger guard. There is a stamped “D” at the top of the back strap. The rebated cylinder has the naval scene, Battle of Campeche marked, as well as “PATENT No. 1410”. The bottom of the wedge pin is marked “1410”. The interior backstrap is marked “1410”. The left and right side of the grip is stamped with a rectangle and faint letters. The bottom of the grip is stamped with an “H”.
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 scattered handling scratches and compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate Very Good-Fine condition for their age.
Type of Finish: Blued, Brass, Case-Colored
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 bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 20% of its metal finish. The original finish has mostly worn away leaving a brown patina. There are small areas of original blue in protected areas and along the back strap. There are scattered scratches and compression dings. There is minor peening near the right side of the barrel near the wedge pin. There is scattered oxidation and corrosion staining throughout. The case color is no longer vibrant. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The markings are legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition for its age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight on each chamber, but there is 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: The Colt Model 1860 Army was one of the most important military handguns of the American Civil War and represented the culmination of Samuel Colt’s large-bore percussion revolver development. Introduced in 1860, the design combined a .44-caliber six-shot rebated cylinder with a comparatively light, streamlined frame, 8″ round barrel, creeping loading lever, and the graceful grip profile for which the model became famous. The U.S. Army acquired more than 127,000 Model 1860 revolvers directly from Colt during the Civil War, making it the principal revolver issued to Federal cavalry. This 1863 example exhibits the characteristic martial configuration, including its one-piece walnut grip, rebated cylinder with the Battle of Campeche naval scene, partial matching serial numbers, and inspection-style letter stamps and cartouches. Its manufacture during the height of the Civil War gives it substantial historical significance as an example of the sidearm closely associated with Union mounted troops.
This revolver retains approximately 20% of its original finish, with the balance showing an attractive brown age patina accompanied by scattered scratches, compression marks, oxidation, corrosion staining, and subdued case coloring. The one-piece walnut grip remains particularly respectable in Very Good-Fine condition with no chips or cracks, and the faint rectangular inspection cartouches add considerable martial interest. The major numbered components are matching, including the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder, arbor, and wedge, while remnants of the original cylinder scene remain visible. The semi-bright 5/10 bore retains defined rifling despite erosion throughout. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the cylinder locks tightly at each chamber, though the reported end shake should be considered when evaluating its mechanical condition and reinforces the recommendation for professional inspection before firing. Overall, this is an appealing, substantially intact Civil War-era Colt 1860 Army with matching major components, recognizable military inspection markings, and strong historical character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY