Colt 1860 Army Model, Civil War-Era Inspector Marked, Blue & Case Colored 8” 6-Shot SA Single Action Revolver, MFD 1862 Antique
Sold For: $1,455.00
LSB#: 170302RR03
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 34736
Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .44 Caliber Ball
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Cylinder Loaded Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA”, the right has “E”, the left has “CC”. The underside of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard plate, cylinder and barrel wedge are correctly marked to one another. The left of the frame is marked “COLT’S / PATENT”, the left of the front grip strap is marked “G / 4”. The cylinder is marked “L” and partial “E”. The back of the stock’s marking is not visible. The inside of the back grip strap is marked “L”. The left of the stock has a faded inspector cartouche.
Barrel Length: 8”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German steel blade, fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a small “V” notch in the hammer.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a one piece smooth walnut stock, which still retains flush fit to the grip straps. The butt of both, including that of the grip strap butt, have heavy nail head marks and small splinter losses; these marks are common of the era and were made a very long time ago. The left flank also has some deeper marks, though we believe something may have been tacked onto the grip at some point. There are heavy gouges and chip losses at the lower edges, all is honest wear consistent with Civil War relics, please see our pictures. The grips rate in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Case Colored Frame & Hammer
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mid brown, with highly defined, deep rifling. There are a few spots of pitting but for its age, it is not the worst 1860 bore by any means.
Overall Condition: The loading lever and underside of the frame still have small spots of case coloring that come through with a warm shimmer. The barrel has a small amount of blue left, but it has mostly transitioned to honest brown patina. The barrel has several scrapes, there are a few dings in the cylinder’s leading edge, the rear has rounding at the edges, most of the Naval Battle has faded, some of its lower waves and the “Colt’s Patent” markings are still visible. The left of the trigger guard plate is slightly bulged at the screw hole, the grip straps have rubbing to bare metal, with erosion on the steel components. There is a dark pit on the left of the hammer. The metal to metal fit remains tight. the markings are clear unless otherwise noted. The screw slots range from light to moderately tooled, all are serviceable. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a strong mainspring, the cylinder produces mild side to side and back play in full lockup of all 6 chambers. We were unable to remove the barrel from the frame, we soaked the parts in oil, a long term soaking may remedy this. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Model 1860 Army was easily the most popularized revolver of the American Civil War; they ran as hard as the troops they were issued to, the large .44 caliber pistol was enough to flatten even the largest gunslinger. Approximately 127,000 were purchased for use by Union forces and several of the Confederate states had obtained a few thousand before the start of the war. The Model 1860 Army was the successor to the Third Model Dragoon and ranks third in total number produced of the various models of percussion Colt handguns. This revolver was made in 1862 according to Proofhouse.com and per military records, it would have almost certainly gone to a cavalry unit of the Union forces. With its battle scars and honest patina, its collectors appeal is amplified again with all matching parts and a correct grip with inspector cartouche. The bore is still strong for its age, the mechanics are crisp. With proper care, this will display at the apex of your collection for generations to come. How it came from the war weary Eastern seaboard to Simi Valley in 2017 is anyone’s guess!
