This is an honest, well-used Colt cartridge revolver that was factory converted to the Mason patent conversion from left over civil war period model 1860 parts. It was then subsequently shortened and modified outside the factory, most likely by a frontier gunsmith or blacksmith. Revolvers like this were cut down for ease of carry or to salvage a damaged barrel. They show how working guns were adapted to the needs of their owners. The left side of the frame carries the two-line Colt patent stampings “PAT. JULY 25, 1871 / PAT. JULY 2, 1872,” which are clear and fully legible. These are William Mason’s patents, used on Colt’s early cartridge revolvers of the period. The serial number “7056” is found on the frame, backstrap, barrel, trigger guard and cylinder. The loading gate is assembly numbered “1331”.

The barrel has been shortened to about 4 3/8 inches and fitted with a non-factory blade front sight at the muzzle. The sight is dovetailed and has a nickel blade insert. A simple ejector rod with an oval head runs under the barrel and is part of the alteration process. The underside of the barrel shows a solder seam between the ejector housing and the barrel, indicating an older repair or to tighten up looseness. The barrel wedge and wedge screw are in place. The cylinder has a separate rear breech ring which was Mason’s patent. It shows the stop notches and the last three of the serial number. Some light dents are found near one of the cylinder stops. Any of the roll-engraved cylinder scene has worn away and is not visible. The trigger guard is iron, and the revolver has a one-piece walnut grip. No signs of a cartouche remain.

Approximate Dimensions:
Overall length: about 10 in.
Barrel length (cylinder face to muzzle): about 4 3/8 in.
Cylinder length: about 1 5/8 in.
Height (butt to top of hammer spur): about 5 1/2 in.

Condition: None of the original finish remains. The metal has an even, mostly smooth gray patina that shades to plum-brown on the right side of the barrel and cylinder. There is light scattered pitting and freckling, mostly on the barrel near the muzzle and on the left side of the frame. Edges show moderate handling wear, and the cylinder and breech ring show light battering and normal turning wear. Screw slots show moderate wear, and a few have light burring. The patent markings remain crisp. The overall metal surface is somewhat shiny and appears to have been wire brushed. The walnut grip has darkened with age and shows many dings, scratches, and handling marks, plus some darker staining on the lower left side. The edges are softened from use, and the wood stands slightly proud of the metal at the toe. Mechanically, the action functions and it indexes/ locks up properly. Past full cock, the hammer will over extend the cylinder. The bore is dark with visible rifling and scattered pitting.

This is a good example of a Colt Factory Mason conversion that saw further gunsmith barrel shortening. The revolver saw real use, and it would make a nice addition to a collection of frontier or post-Civil War cartridge arms. [stp] [ph:L]

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