3175

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

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Very Fine Early Production Civil War Colt U.S Contract Model 1860 Army Revolver
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Estimate: $11000 - 16000
This is an attractive original example of an U.S. contract Colt Model 1860 Army revolver manufactured in 1862. The revolver has a three-screw frame with shoulder stock cut-outs in the recoil shields and yoke notch in the back strap. The barrel, cylinder and iron back strap have a subdued military blue finish. The frame, hammer and loading lever have a color casehardened finish. The trigger guard is brass. The one-piece walnut stock has an oil finish. The barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade and the top is roll-stamped: "- ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame. The forward portion of the rebated cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle and "COLTS PATENT NO/PAT. SEPT. 10th 1850" in two lines. "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" is roll-engraved along the front edge of the cylinder. The full serial number "40159" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "0159" is stamped on the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. An "L" Ordnance sub-inspection marks is stamped on the right grip heel, the top of the back strap and the cylinder. An "S" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the trigger guard. "CC" is stamped on the left side of the barrel lug. "H" is stamped on the right side of the barrel lug and on the cylinder. The Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of two script initials in a rectangle is stamped on the lower right side of the grip. The Ordnance sub-inspection mark which consists of three script initials in a rectangle is stamped on the lower left side of the grip. The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was the primary handgun issued to the federal Cavalry during the Civil War. These revolvers continued to be used on the post-war frontier; Custer's 7th Cavalry regiment continued to carry Model 1860 Army revolvers until they were replaced by Colt Single Action Army revolvers in June 1874.
BBL: 8 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 40159
Condition: Very fine. The revolver is all original and shows only light use. The barrel retains nearly 60% of the military blue finish. Considerable blue finish remains on protected areas of the cylinder and back strap. Nearly all of the roll-engraved naval scene on the cylinder remains intact. The loading lever, frame and hammer retain 80% of the original casehardened finish and the case colors are vivid. The brass trigger guard has an attractive, mustard yellow patina. The grip is in very fine condition with very crisp Ordnance inspection marks and only light handling wear. The barrel legend, patent marks on the frame, serial numbers and Ordnance sub-inspection marks are all crisp. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is a very fine, original example of the primary handgun used by the Federal Cavalry during the Civil War.