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Fine civilian Colt Model 1860 Army six-shot percussion revolver, serial no. 176948, chambered in .44 caliber and fitted with the standard 8 in. round barrel. This late-production civilian example dates to approximately 1868 and retains an unusually strong degree of original finish.
Introduced in 1860, the Colt Model 1860 Army became one of the most important American military handguns of the Civil War. Combining a .44 caliber rebated cylinder with the comparatively light and graceful frame derived from Colt’s Model 1851 Navy, the 1860 Army offered substantial power without the bulk of Colt’s earlier Dragoon revolvers. More than 100,000 were purchased by the United States government during the Civil War, while civilian production continued after the conflict.
The cylinder retains approximately 75% original blue together with a sharp roll-engraved naval battle scene depicting the engagement between the navies of the Republic of Texas and Mexico. The matching serial numbers throughout further support the integrity of the revolver.
The revolver is housed in an excellent fitted wooden case with a particularly complete group of period accessories. These include a correct Colt-marked powder flask decorated with crossed pistols and military motifs, Colt bullet mold, Eley cap tin marked for Colt pistols, lead balls and a scarce full D.C. Sage skin cartridge packet specifically labeled for “Colt’s Army Pistol.”
The combination of substantial surviving original finish, sharp cylinder scene, matching-number components, excellent fitted case and unusually complete group of correct period accessories makes this an especially desirable civilian Model 1860 Army set.
Item Date: circa 1868
Measurement: 8 inch barrel
Material: Blued and case-colored steel; silver-plated brass trigger guard; walnut grip; fitted wooden case with accessories
Item Condition: Fine condition, retaining approximately 50% original blue finish on the barrel and approximately 75% on the cylinder. The cylinder retains a particularly sharp naval battle scene. Case coloring remains visible on the frame and hammer, while only traces of the original silver plating remain on the brass trigger guard. Walnut grip exhibits an attractive surface with minor wear consistent with age and use. Serial numbers are matching throughout; wedge is unnumbered. The fitted case and accessories remain in excellent overall condition. The action is tight and smooth.
Price: $12,500
SKU 308-744
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.