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Very Fine U.S. Civil War Contract Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
Very Fine U.S. Civil War Contract Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver
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This is a very fine original example of a U.S. Contract Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver that was manufactured in 1863. The revolver has a three-screw frame with cut-outs for shoulder stock in the recoil shields and back strap. The eight-inch barrel, rebated cylinder and iron back strap have the Colt low-polish military blue finish. The loading lever, frame and hammer have a case hardened finish. The trigger guard is brass and the one-piece walnut grip has an oil finish. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. The left side of the frame is stamped "COLTS/PATENT" in two lines. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene, "COLT"S PATENT No." and "PATENTED SEPT.10th 1850". The revolver has Ordnance single and double letter Sub-Inspection marks stamped on all of the major components "TT" is stamped on the left side of the barrel lug behind the wedge screw, "F" is stamped in the opposite position on the right side of the barrel lug. "HH" and "H" are stamped on the cylinder, "T" is stamped on the trigger guard behind the bow and "D" is stamped on the top of the back strap and the left grip heel. The lower left side of grip is stamped with the Ordnance Sub-Inspector's mark which consists of the script initials "WHR" in a rectangle. The Ordnance Final Inspector's script initials "JT" are stamped in a rectangle with rounded ends on the lower right side of the grip. The full serial number, "117146", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "7146". "7146" is written in the grip back strap channel. All of the visible serial numbers match. The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver was the primary sidearm of the Federal Cavalry during the Civil War and was widely used by both sides during that conflict. Most U.S. contract Model 1860 Army Revolvers were issued and examples with any amount of original finish are scarce.
BBL: 8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue/case hardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 117146
Condition: Very fine. This revolver is completely original and retains 75% of the original blue and case hardened finish. Most of the blue finish is present on the barrel lug, top and underside while the sides of the barrel have some contact wear that has aged to a smooth plum brown patina. The top of the barrel and sides of the lug have some scattered, minor nicks and handling marks. The cylinder has aged to a brown-gray patina with significant amounts of blue finish in protected areas. The roll-engraved naval scene is extremely crisp. The percussion nipples have light flash pitting and the cylinder safety pins are battered. The back strap shows handling wear on contact points. The loading lever and frame retain more than 90% of the case hardened finish with strong case colors. The hammer has most of the case colors on the top and back with some flash pitting on the sides. The brass trigger guard is bright and remains in fine condition. The grip is in fine overall condition with sharp Ordnance inspection marks and moderate handling wear. The Colt legend, patent marks, serial numbers and Ordnance inspection marks are all extremely sharp. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is a very fine example of a U.S. contract, Civil War Colt Model 1860 Army revolver that is extremely difficult to find in this condition.