This cap and ball percussion sidearm is a Civil War Colt Model 1860 Army revolver in very good overall condition. These revolvers were in production from 1860 through 1873 and were the successor to the Colt Third Model Dragoon pistols. The Colt Army revolver was the major sidearm in use by U.S. troops during the Civil War with over 127,000 revolvers acquired by the Union government during the conflict.

This sidearm, possibly a civilian model, is an early .44 caliber, four-screw model with a 6-shot rebated cylinder and the early 8” long barrel. Grips are original one-piece walnut in excellent condition but with no government cartouches on either side. Grips do have a small period chip on both front corners of the butt. All gunmetal has been cleaned and now exhibits a pleasing old, dark plum brown finish overall. No original case colors or bluing remain on the sidearm.

Serial number #31091 appears on the frame, trigger guard, butt strap, and wedge. No stampings visible on the barrel or on the cylinder. Serial # dates the manufacture in the 1^st and 2^nd quarter of 1862. Brass triggerguard has stamping “.44 CAL” on the left side at the upper right corner. Possibly indicates that this sidearm started life as a civilian revolver but was pulled and made into a military piece to meet government requirements. This martial sidearm has the recoil shield cutouts on the frame and a shallow notch in the backstop indicating a martial arm. Mechanics are weak and need adjustment. No barrel address or engraved naval scene is visible. “COLTS / PATENT” mark on the left side of the frame is visible. Five original nipples fine. One nipple has broken off completely. Safeties all hammered down. Frame screws slightly buggered. This early war production Colt Model 1860 Army revolver is a good representative sidearm of the Civil War at a good price.

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