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TYPE-I RICHARDS CONVERSION COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY REVOLVER

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This is great early western Colt center-fire .44 caliber revolver of the 1870s in good condition. The Colt Richards conversion of the 1860 Army was produced starting in 1871 following the expiration in 1868 of Smith and Wesson’s patent on centerfire cartridges and the 1869 expiration of White’s patent on bored-through cylinders. It was a vast improvement on Colt’s earlier attempt to get around the patents: his less-than-optimum Thuer Colt conversions. In the main, the Richards alteration consisted of removing the percussion nipples from the cylinder to create bored-through chambers that were reamed out to accept the metallic cartridge. A base plate or “conversion ring” was installed in the frame that included a firing pin and overlapped the rear of the cylinder. The ring was fitted with a loading gate and the ratchet recut on the rear of the cylinder and fitted with a new hand. Flayderman notes the Richards shows up in two different serial number ranges: 16700—200614 (the upper Colt Army range;) and the other, in which this fits, a range of its own numbered from 1-8700, but which includes some of the improved Richards-Mason conversions. Total production is estimated at 9,000 from 1871 to 1878.

This one shows traces of a nickel finish offered as a standard finish by Colt in 1877, but available as early as 1873/74 (if not sooner, through the Adams Plating Company) and was “not uncommon” on the Richards-Mason conversions, in Flayderman’s words. Perhaps 50% or better remains on the triggerguard assembly. Only small patches, perhaps 15%, showing as a thin muted silver, remain on the iron, which is a smooth dark gray, though with some spots of fine scratching on the barrel and cylinder, and stronger traces on the ejector rod housing. Even so, the pistol avoids the blotchy look so common on antique nickeled pistols where the nickel has come off in flakes.

The barrel is full length. Front sight is in place. Rifling is visible at the muzzle. The action is good. The barrel address is sharp: -ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA- with some rubbing or fine scatches along the top of Colt’s rank and first name, perhaps from cleaning, with a small bit of fine pitting above “NEW.”  On the left frame the COLTS/PATENT is very good, as is the 44 CAL on the left triggerguard. The frame screws have very good slots and may have been replaced. The serial number matches throughout: 3913, including the cylinder (using the last three digits,) which is the standard six-stop cylinder and preserves much of the naval battle scene and the patent cartouche with just some rubbing to “COLTS.” The Richards conversion ring with integral rear sight and firing pin is in place. The loading gate is in place and, correctly, has a different number, 2341, than the revolver.

If you are interested in firearms of the Old West, this is a strong candidate for inclusion in your collection- not mint or fancy, but a good, reliable sidearm of substantial caliber.  [sr] [ph:L]

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!

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