This Colt Model 1860 .44 Caliber Army Revolver rates good for condition and was the classic cavalry sidearm of the Civil War. These revolvers were purchased by the U.S. army in numbers rivalled only by Remington and Starr revolvers later in the conflict, purchased in significant numbers by the south in the months before the war broke out, and made their way into Confederate hands during the war by capture. Essentially a streamlined and lighter weight version of the .44 caliber Colt Dragoon, the U.S. government purchased them from Colt and even retail dealers early on. Production totals reached about 156,000 by war’s end, but continued to 1873. This one has matching serial numbers throughout, 116133, giving it an 1863 date of manufacture by the Colt company tables, made in time for many of the major campaigns, battles, cavalry raids and expeditions.

The pistol shows issue and use, lacking any finish, but is complete and all original with only the loading assembly screw and the wedge being replaced during its period of use. The bore shows dirt and pitting from use. The mechanics are good, but a bit sloppy, with the hand failing to rotate the cylinder every so often in cocking the hammer. The surface shows some thin surface rust, but generally gray and dark gray metal with shallow pitting and handling dings. The barrel address is fully legible, however, as are the serial numbers and the Colts / Patent stamp on the left frame, various small factory inspector initials. Some traces of the cylinder scene can be made out and portions of the patent stamp. The serial number is light, but matches the rest of the gun (they used only the final digits on the cylinder.)

The grips show some rounding of the edges and a narrow shrinkage gap at the frame but generally good color and surface. The brass has a medium tone showing some age browning. The frame is smooth metal and shows the mottled bluish-gray and browns of old case coloring. The backstrap is smooth metal and a mix of gray and brown with some dark gray spotting.

This is a good, honest representative of a very widely used arm of the Civil War.  [sr] [ph:m]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!