Description
Antique Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Cal Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver. This Colt “open top” 1860 Army has the standard 8” inch round barrel with a German-silver blade front sight and a notched hammer for the rear sight. The rear sight could only be used when the hammer was at full-cock. The barrel has the roll-stamped one-line Sam Colt address and the left side of the frame is stamped “Colt Patent”. The cylinder has the roll-stamped Texas vs. Mexico Naval Battle. The Colt 1860 Army uses the same size frame as the .36 caliber 1851 Navy revolver. The frame is relieved to allow the use of a rebated cylinder that enables the Army to be chambered in .44 caliber. The barrel on the 1860 Army has a forcing cone that is visibly shorter than that of the 1851 Navy, allowing the Army revolver to have a longer cylinder. Another distinguishing feature of the Colt 1860 Army is the “creeping” loading lever. The one-piece Walnut stocks are smooth and varnished. All serial numbers on the frame, barrel assembly and grip frame match. Caliber/ Gauge: .44 Cal.; Serial Number: 97915 Working Order: Firearm has not been tested; Background Check: Not Required; Keywords: Firearms, Guns; Ref: BD1040
By April 1861, 2,230 of Colt’s earliest production went to dealers south of Mason-Dixon Line. The United States Navy ordered 900 fluted-cylinder revolvers in May 1861, which were later issued to ships enforcing the Atlantic and Gulf blockade. The United States Army orders also began in May, 1861. A total of 127,157 revolvers had been delivered before a devastating fire on February 4,1864 put Colt’s Factory out of operation for the remainder of the Civil War hostilities.; #125
Original bluing is about 30% and much of the case hardening has turned to a silver-grey patina with the brass grip frame attaining a pleasant, muted gold appearance in color. The barrel bore has strong rifling and the cylinder chambers rate as very good. The brass trigger guard and front strap has the typical muted brass patina. Portions of the roll-stamped battle scene are still visible. The wood stocks exhibit some dents and dings associated with the age of this revolver and are consistent with the finish on the metal parts. The action is strong and positive and there does not appear to be any visible replace parts.
