Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Cal Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver, 1868 Antique
Sold For: $1,325
LSB#: 200804MB20
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 175000
Year of Manufacture: 1868 (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 “175000”. 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 “175000”. The bottom of the arbor is marked “000”. The outside of the cylinder has a roll-marked naval scene and “?OLT’S PATENT No 000”. 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 light-moderate handling wear with some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a crack on the right toward the rear which has been repaired with three pins and a small loss on the left at the bottom-front which is smoothed with age. Overall, the grip is in about Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Brass
Finish Originality: The finish appears original to the parts, some parts appear to have been replaced (i.e. loading lever, wedge)
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn, but visible. There is erosion scattered through the bore ranging from light to severe.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 15% of its metal finish. Most original parts have gone to a light-moderate patina with some scattered erosion, nicks, scuffs and scratches. The loading lever still has fairly strong case-color, indicating a replacement. The wedge also has some case color and doesn’t appear to be appropriate for this model. The trigger guard has a mustard patina with some scattered darker discoloration. The action has operational wear. There is erosion and stubborn grease around all of the nipples. Remaining screw heads range from sharp to lightly disfigured with useable slots. The bottom backstrap mounting screw is missing. The markings are generally clear, the cylinder naval scene is worn and interrupted in some areas by erosion. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as Antique and not parts-original.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has no play to the frame, but the wedge is loose in its slot. The cylinder locks up with little play on each chamber. The bottom backstrap mounting screw is missing. The trigger is crisp. 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: None.
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 1868 and appears to be a commercial model, lacking any martial markings. All numbered parts are matching, however the loading lever, wedge and likely a few of the screws appear to be replacements. The revolver is in about Good condition as Antique with a bore which is not too bad for 150 years of black powder use, most markings clear, and strong mechanics apart from the wedge which is loose in its slot. This revolver is a decent example of the 1860 and was made during an important period of American history as the nation recovered from the Civil War and expanded across the continent. Please see our pictures and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This antique handgun can be sold in California.
