Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Cal Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver, 1866 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,975.00

LSB#: WY240827JK004

Make: Colt

Model: 1860 Army

Serial Number: 161635

Year of Manufacture: 1866 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .44 Caliber Ball

Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Cylinder Loaded Percussion Revolver

Markings: The bottom-rear of the barrel assembly is marked “161635”. The underside of the frame in front of the trigger guard, the bottom of the grip frame in front of the trigger guard, and the bottom of the backstrap are each marked “161635”. The bottom of the arbor is marked “1635”. The outside of the cylinder has a roll-marked naval scene and “COLTS PATENT No 1635”. The bottom of the wedge is marked “1635”. The backstrap inlet has “1635” hand-written. The top of the barrel is marked “-ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-“. The left of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “44 CAL” on the flat at the rear.

Barrel Length: 8”, Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one piece smooth walnut. The grip has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There is scattered discoloration and worn finish. There are a couple tiny losses at the bottom-front corners. There are no cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Silver-Plated Brass

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with well defined rifling. There is scattered light-moderate erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 4 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 20% of its metal finish. The barrel, cylinder and backstrap have some finish remaining in protected areas and around raised features. The frame and other steel surfaces have mostly gone to a light patina. Most exposed surfaces of the trigger guard have lost their silver plate, exposing the brass underneath, but there is some strong silver plate remaining in the portion covered by the grip and there is dark, discolored silver in some protected areas. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and minor erosion. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are more notable marks around the wedge on each side of the barrel. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, some are worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has no play to the frame. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a leather flap-holster, a Randall Model 1 6″ knife with black micarta grip, sheath, and stone. The holster does not have any maker’s marking, but appears to be roughly contemporary to the revolver. The strap for the flap has torn off. The Randall knife shows signs of use and sharpening, but no notable damage.

Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was easily the most popular army revolver on both sides of the conflict during the American Civil War. Approximately 127,000 of these revolvers were purchased for use by Union forces and several of the Confederate states had obtained a few thousand before the start of the hostilities as well. The Model 1860 Army was the successor to the Third Model Dragoon and ranks third in total number produced of the various models of percussion Colt handguns.

This revolver was made in 1866, a commercial model made shortly after the end of the Civil War. All numbered parts are matching and some of the original finish is remaining, making it a nice find with collectors. While there is some erosion and pitting, the revolver retains remarkably strong mechanics. This revolver is a neat example of the 1860 which was made during an important period of American history as the nation recovered from the Civil War and expanded across the continent. Its great mechanical condition only heightens its value to collectors, and who doesn’t like a good Randall knife? Please see our pictures and good luck! 

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud