Colt 2nd Gen. 1860 Army .44 Cal 8” Blued Percussion Revolvers Matched Pair
SOLD FOR: $1,776.51
LSB#: LSB250902JM055/LSB250902JM059
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army, 2nd Generation
Serial Numbers: 209367/204707
Years of Manufacture: 1978-1982 / ATF Classification Antique
Caliber: .44 Cal.
Action Type: Single Action Cap & Ball Percussion Revolvers with 6-Shot Cylinders.
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT / U.S.”. The top of the barrel assembly is marked “-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW – YORK U.S. AMERICA-”. The underside of the barrel assembly, frame, and trigger guard are each marked with corresponding serial number. The cylinder is marked “COLT’S PATENT No” and last three digits of the corresponding serial number and with a roll-engraved naval scene. The left of the trigger guard is marked “44 CAL”.
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is fixed and dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth dark-stained hardwood. There are light handling marks and scratches throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrel, cylinder, and grip frame. Case Color loading lever, frame, trigger, and hammer. Silver plated brass trigger guard frame.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. Both bores are very clean. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: These revolvers retain about 99% of their metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear. There are light turning marks on the cylinders. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, these revolvers rate in Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The actions are 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt 1860 Army was the dominant revolver of the Civil War, widely carried by Union forces and cherished for its power and reliability. This .44 caliber, six-shot cap-and-ball revolver combined a streamlined frame with a full-length 8” barrel, giving it both authority and balance. The Second Generation Colt percussion series, produced in the 1970s, offered collectors and shooters the opportunity to own authentic Colt-marked reproductions built with modern steel and workmanship while retaining the iconic look of the originals.
Colt officially regards the 2nd Generation production of their classic black powder pistols as original Colts. This pistol was produced by Colt’s Manufacturing, Co., not under license by the Colt Black Powder Arms Co. During early production Colt imported rough castings of parts from Italy and fitted the guns in the Colt Factory in West Hartford, CT. From 1978 until production ceased in 1982, the parts were produced by Lou Imperato and Iver Johnson Arms in Middlesex, NJ. This matched pair, with their blued and case-colored finish, remain in Fine to Excellent condition with bright, sharp bores and crisp mechanics. The sights and grips appear to be non-factory but are beautifully executed. Please view our high quality photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! –MF
