This is a Model 1860 Colt .44 caliber Army revolver that was later converted for .44 caliber metallic centerfire cartridges.

It is a 6-shot revolver with a round 8” barrel. Serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, and cylinder match. Serial number 194435 dates the production to late 1871. Period replacement wedge. Walnut grips display a few dings and wear which is customary with age and usage.

The centerfire alteration consisted of removing the percussion nipples, creating a bored-through cylinder to chamber the .44 centerfire cartridge and installing a breech plate or conversion ring with loading gate. The loading lever assembly was also removed and the dovetail for the lever catch and the mounting recess were filled. The plunger hole was plugged. A Mason spring-loaded ejector rod and housing was installed on the right side of the barrel.

These Richards and Richards-Mason conversions were done between 1871-78, and these were considered a much more practical conversion than the earlier Thuer conversion.

The gun metal is smooth and was plated. Moderate wear to plating, especially on the barrel. The barrel address, “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW - YORK U.S. AMERICA” is mostly visible. The 1871 and 1872 patent stamps applied during the conversion are strong on the left side of the frame. The brass trigger guard and backstrap show a nice mellow color with traces of original silver plating. The original “.44 CAL.” stamp is worn but visible. Mechanics are strong and crisp.

The cylinder has nearly complete rolled scene visible! The patent stamp and serial number are good and strong. The loading gate is numbered 4435 to match original numbers.

A Richards/Richards-Mason conversion makes a great addition to any U.S. arms collection.  [jet] [ph:L]

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