EARLY MODEL 1860 4-SCREW ARMY REVOLVER MADE IN JUNE OR JULY 1861

$1,895.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1256-197

This .44 Caliber Colt M1860 Army revolver has matching serial number 7585, giving it a production date in the third quarter of 1861, likely in June or July, since it does not have the “.44 CAL” stamp on the left triggerguard introduced in August according to Pate. There are no US ownership or inspection marks, meaning that it went out through the commercial market, typical of most of the early production, though it very likely ended up in military hands given that the Union defeat at Bull Run in July stoked the fire for arms purchases. To those pistols that are U.S. inspected, and bear the inspection mark of George G. Saunders, Pate attributes a serial number range of 6398 to 9524, and notes that Saunders was ordered to inspect Colts on 6/17/61 and reassigned on 8/14/61, effectively giving a date range to those numbers that fits a June or July production date for this one. As is also appropriate for this potential time frame, the frame of the pistol is the “four-screw” version that persisted for some time (Flayderman says up to 50,000, but some higher numbers are known,) the recoil shield is cut at the bottom, and the buttstrap is notched at the rear, all to enable it to take a shoulder stock.

The pistol rates very good for condition, showing generally smooth metal, silver gray with some darker gray age spots and some thin brown, but very good markings and good cylinder scene. The barrel is 8” long and the barrel address is sharp: “- ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK US AMERICA – “and the “COLTS PATENT” stamp on the left frame is very good as well. The cylinder has crisp serial number and patent stamps: ““COLTS PATENT No. 7585 / PAT SEPT. 10th 1850,” are fully legible, sharp and visible from a distance. It also has a quite good cylinder scene with much of the ships engaged in the naval battle visible as is the caption in small letters along the front edge of the cylinder: “ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843.” The brass triggerguard and grip strap have a medium tone. The grips have a good fit, edges, color and surface, and do not show any US inspection cartouche. The backstrap is smooth, silver gray in color mixed with some thin brown. The lug screws show blue. The rear of the hammer shows some faded blue from case color. The mechanics are good. The bore is clean, with good rifling.

The only faults we find are some fine pitting around the forcing cone and upper rear of the barrel assembly from firing; some small dings around the wedge on the right, typical from someone lacking a soft mallet tapping out the wedge; a few light dings to the cylinder edge; and fine scratches on the lower frame on both sides. The latter clearly resulted from cleaning, brightened the metal slightly, and may have been to tidy up a small chatter to the left frame visible to the rear of the “Colts Patent” stamp on the left. We note a small mark on the left in about the same position so it is possible the pistol slipped while in a vise or something like that. On the left, the edge of the triggerguard plate was touched by some of this, but the Colts Patent stamp is unaffected and still strong, though with a slight gray spot.

This is a very good, early war example of the quintessential Civil War cavalry side arm. See Pate’s excellent “The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver” for an in-depth study and tons of information on the development and production of this widely carried Civil War revolver.    [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!

 

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