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Colt Model 1861 Richards-Mason Conversion Revolver with Ivory Grip

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:3,750.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Colt Model 1861 Richards-Mason Conversion Revolver with Ivory Grip
This fine example of a Colt Model 1861 Richards-Mason Conversion revolver was chambered for the .38 Center-Fire cartridge. This revolver was one of an estimated 1200 revolvers converted by Colt from existing Model 1861 percussion revolvers and has a serial number in the percussion revolver range. The revolver has a blued barrel, ejector rod, and cylinder. The frame, hammer and loading gate have a casehardened finish. The brass trigger guard and backstrap are silver-plated. The revolver is fitted with a one-piece ivory grip. The revolver has the distinctive Model 1861 Richards-Mason features including: (1) stream-lined barrel with plugged loading lever hole, (2) hammer with riveted center fire pin and bordered knurling on the spur, (3) loading gate secured by a flat spring secured to the frame, (4) breech plate with cut-out at the top and no provision for a rear sight and (5) ejector assembly secured by a screw thru the left side of the barrel. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in a single line. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLT"S PATENT NO". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "-PAT.JULY 25.1871-/-PAT. JULY. 2. 1872.-" in two lines. The patent dates are stamped over the original percussion "COLTS/PATENT" markings. "36 CAL" is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The percussion serial number "21920" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The partial serial number "920" is stamped below the original serial number "3159" on the cylinder. The "920" partial serial number is a Colt marking applied during conversion. The rear of the loading gate is stamped with the partial serial number "1920". All of the visible serial numbers match.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 38 Colt CF
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 21920


Very fine. The revolver retains nearly 70% of the original blue and 75% casehardened finish remaining overall. The blue finish is bright on protected areas of the barrel lug and the frame has fiery case colors. The contact areas of the ejector housing have a silver-gray patina. The cylinder has an even silver-gray patina and retains about 85% of the roll-engraved naval scene. The trigger guard and backstrap have traces of the original silver-plated finish in protected areas. There are a number of shallow dents on the bottom of the backstrap. The barrel markings are faint but the serial numbers and frame markings are crisp. The ivory grip is also in very fine condition with a very attractive age patina. Wear is limited to some age shrinkage and several age cracks on the butt. The action is crisp and functions fine. This is an extremely attractive example of a Colt Model 1861 Richards-Mason .38 CF conversion in very good condition.