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Outstanding Cased Early Production Colt Model 1860 Fluted Cylinder Army Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:22,500.00 USD Estimated At:45,000.00 - 65,000.00 USD
Outstanding Cased Early Production Colt Model 1860 Fluted Cylinder Army Revolver
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Outstanding Cased Early Production Colt Model 1860 Fluted Cylinder Army Revolver

This is an outstanding example of a scarce early production Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver that was manufactured in 1860. It is estimated that only approximately 4,000 fluted cylinder Model 1860s were manufactured. The revolver has a fluted cylinder, 7 1/2 inch barrel and four-screw frame. The top of the barrel is marked with the early "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" marking and the left side of the frame is stamped "COLT'S/PATENT". "PATENTED SEPT 10th 1850" is marked in one of the cylinder flutes. The complete matching serial number, "1504" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder and cylinder arbor. The wedge is numbered "504". The barrel and cylinder are finished blue, silver plated grip frame and casehardened remaining parts. Fitted with a smooth varnished one piece walnut grip. Most of the early commercial Model 1860 Army Revolvers were privately purchased for use in the Civil War and many of the fluted cylinder Model 1860 Revolvers were shipped to dealers in the South before the start of hostilities. As a result the survival rate of the 4,000 or so fluted cylinder M1860 Army revolvers manufactured by Colt is low and the revolvers are rarely encountered with any amount of original finish. The revolver comes in a mahogany case with red velvet lining. The case has four compartments and contains powder flask (crossed revolvers/stars/eagle/cannon motif), a two cavity iron bullet mold with "COLTS/PATENT" marked sprue cutter, "44R" on the right block and period stamp "F.K.W." on the bottom of the leg block, and an empty Eley Bros. cap tin.

Manufucture: Colt
Model: 1860
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Guage: 44 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 1504

Excellent. The revolver retains 80% plus original bright blue and casehardened finish. The lower portion of the barrel and lug have nearly all of the original high polish blue finish. The finish on the upper portion of the barrel has flaked and the metal has a dark textured patina. The finish wear on the barrel is attributable to poor storage. The revolver shows minimal firing and handling wear. The cylinder retains 95% of the bright original blue finish and shows light firing wear. All of the pins are intact and wear is limited to light flash pitting on the percussion nipples and the rear face of the cylinder. The frame, loading lever and hammer show 90% plus original casehardened finish with vivid case colors. There is some minor flash pitting on the face and upper sides of the hammer. 85% of the silver plated finish is present on the back strap and trigger guard. There is some flaking on the lower portion of the back strap but nearly all the silver plating is present on the trigger guard. The grip is also excellent and retains 98% of the high gloss varnish finish. The markings are sharp. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This outstanding revolver is a very attractive example of a scarce early production fluted cylinder Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver in fine overall condition that would be hard to improve upon. The case is very good as revarnished with a few minor scratches and handling marks on the exterior. The lining has faded slightly with age and shows some contact wear and soiling. The accessories are all very good.