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Colt Model 1860 Richards Conversion Revolver with British Proofs

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Colt Model 1860 Richards Conversion Revolver with British Proofs
This is an example of a Richards Conversion Model 1860 Army revolver which was originally manufactured circa 1872. Total production is estimated at approximately 9,000 Model 1860 Army Revolvers that were ever converted. These revolvers were converted by shaving the recoil shield 3/16 of an inch and installing a Richards breech plate with integral notch sight and loading gate. The recoil shield was machined to provide a straight channel for the loading and ejecting of cartridges. Secondly it called for a rebounding firing pin which in turn forced the hammer to be ground flat in order to strike it properly. The barrel then had to be machined to accept the Richards ejector assembly/loading lever channel filler that is secured with a screw on the left side of the barrel lug. The revolver had a blue barrel, ejector assembly, cylinder and iron backstrap, casehardened frame and hammer and silver plated brass trigger guard. Fitted with one-piece walnut grips. The top of the barrel is marked: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-", the rebated cylinder has the standard roll-engraved Texas Navy battle scene, is marked: "COLT'S PATENT No." and retains the marking: "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" on the leading edge. The cylinder is also marked with alternating "crown / V" and "crown / GP" proofmarks between each chamber. The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS / PATENT" and "44 CAL." is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard bow and the loading gate is numbered "4183". The matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and backstrap.
BBL: 8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44 CF
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 198009


Very good plus. The barrel, ejector housing and cylinder have a smooth mottled silver gray patina with some minor pitting on the ejector housing. The frame shows some strong traces of the original case colors in protected areas with the balance a smooth silver gray. The backstrap retains approximately 25% original bright blue finish concentrated at the top and on the butt with the balance a smooth mottled brown patina. The trigger guard shows strong dark original silver in protected areas with an even aged patina on the balance. The grip is very fine with much of the original varnish, some wear on the lower edge, a couple of moderate dents on the upper left and a few overall minor dents and dings. The markings and cylinder scene are clear. The action is excellent.