This cap and ball percussion sidearm is an early four-screw Civil War Colt Model 1860 Army revolver in fair condition. 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 is a .44 caliber, four-screw model with a 6-shot rebated cylinder and an 8” long barrel. Grips are original one-piece walnut in good condition with minor shrinkage and edge chipping at the butt plate. No government inspector’s cartouches visible. Grips show two small cutout openings in the base adjacent to the buttstrap, likely for a lanyard. All gun metal has been heavily cleaned and exhibits a dusky gray scheen with scattered spots of dark oxidation overall. No original case colors.

This 3^rd or 4^th quarter 1861 production Colt sidearm has a brass trigger guard, steel backstrap with matching numbers serial #10190 except for the reproduction wedge. Cylinder has moderate to heavy pitting but still exhibits some traces of the engraved naval engagement scene. All five digits of the serial # visible on cylinder.  This martial sidearm is equipped with recoil shield cutouts on the frame and a small notch in the backstop indicating a martial arm. Barrel address is thin and spotty from cleaning. Revolver mechanics are loose. Loading lever stop on barrel bottom has been modified. “COLTS / PATENT” mark on the left side of the frame is good. Frame screws buggered up.

An early Colt Model 1860 Army revolver and popular representative sidearm of the Civil War.

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