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Documented Cased British Proofed Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with Rare Matching Canteen Shoulder S

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:45,000.00 USD Estimated At:90,000.00 - 140,000.00 USD
Documented Cased British Proofed Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with Rare Matching Canteen Shoulder S
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Documented Cased British Proofed Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with Rare Matching Canteen Shoulder Stock Photographed in The Book of Colt Firearms

This is a very fine example of a Colt Model 1860 Army revolver manufactured in 1866, with the rare variation of steel back strap and trigger guard/front strap, 8 inch barrel and matching serialized canteen shoulder stock. A very limited number of 8 inch civilian models were cut for a shoulder stock as this revolver is. This particular revolver, case and accessories are pictured, identified by serial number and briefly described on page 165 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson. The top barrel flat is marked "--ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA--", the left side of the barrel lug has a "Crown/ V" and "Crown/GP" proof and the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT". The left trigger guard shoulder is marked "44 CAL". The cylinder is engraved with the Texas naval battle scene and marked "COLTS PATENT No 6656" and marked with a "crown/V" and "crown/GP" proof mark alternating between each nipple recess. The matching serial number "156656" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap, the partial serial number "6656" is marked on the cylinder and the wedge is secured too tightly to check. Fitted with a smooth one piece walnut grip. Complete in an English oak case with brass fitting and inset brass disc on the lid and paper "Directions For Using Colt Pistols" label affixed to the inside of the lid. The case is divided into eight compartments with green felt lining and comes with a rare canteen stock with matching serial number marked on the lower tang of the attaching brass and on the tang of the buttplate, all fittings are silver plated brass. There is an iron lanyard ring and swivel mounted on the lower tang. These canteen stocks were manufactured in limited numbers in the 1850s and the canteen stock concept was intended to ease a soldier's burden by replacing two pieces of gear with a single piece which could perform both tasks, and like the later coffee mill Sharps or the trowel bayonet, the idea did not catch on. In addition, the case contains a metal cleaning rod with a metal handle, "L" shaped nipple wrench/screwdriver, an iron bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, a "J BARLOW/PATENT" marked brown lacquer finished bag shaped flask, a nickel oiler and a large empty W. & C. Eley percussion cap tin. This revolver was formally in the Robert Sutherland collection.

Manufucture: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
BBL: 8 inch round
Stock:
Guage: 44 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 156656

Very fine. The barrel retains 70% original bright blue finish with loss due to flaking and showing a smooth gray and brown patina on the exposed areas. The cylinder retains 50% original blue finish concentrated on the rear and showing a smooth brown patina on the forward portion mixed with scattered original blue finish. The scene is fully visible and clear. The grip frame retains 80% original blue finish with scattered flaking and an area of smooth gray patina on the front of the trigger guard bow. Most of the original bright case colors remain on the frame and loading lever. The grip is excellent with 85% original varnish remaining showing wear on the top sides from installing the shoulder stock and a few minor dents and dings. The shoulder stock is excellent with 97% plus original varnish remaining and showing a few scattered minor dings and scratches. 75% of the original silver plating remains which has darkened with age. The exposed brass has a very pleasant aged patina. The case is good with a couple of minor gouges, numerous minor scratches and some normal wear for a case of this age. The flask is excellent with almost all of the original brown lacquer finish remaining showing some high point wear. The cap tin has an aged patina and the lid label is mostly intact. The oiler is fine. An extremely rare documented variation of a Colt Model 1860 Army revolver with matching rare canteen shoulder stock, case and accessories.