Lot 98

Civil War Colt 1860 Army .44 Caliber Revolver

Estimate: $2,650 - $3,450

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
In this lot is a classic Civil War issue Colt 1860 Army .44 Caliber Percussion Six Shot Revolver with low serial number 19943, made during the first year of the war in 1861. This was one of the most issued and popular of the Civil War revolvers with many, if not most, going to the West after the war for Indian Wars or frontier service. This is a very early example with the desirable 4-screw frame that was only used until approx. serial number 50000 after which time the frame had three screws. Being issued so early in the Civil War, this revolver no doubt saw heavy battle use for a number of years. Amazingly, it has all matching numbers on the back strap, trigger guard, barrel assembly, cylinder, cylinder arbor, fame and even on the barrel wedge. This is extremely unusual on such an early manufactured piece because all of these first year Civil War 1860s saw protracted battle use under the harshest of conditions for several years. It was common for revolvers that suffered damage to have the damaged part replaced with a serviceable part from another damaged gun. So, a revolver with a burst barrel might have another barrel put in its place from a similar Colt that had a mechanical problem. In such a case, the barrel serial number would not match the rest of the Colt. Finding an example manufactured in 1861 with all matching numbers is extremely desirable and seldom encountered on the collector market today. Overall this fine Colt displays an extremely attractive deep aged blue patina. It has the original matching numbered 8” barrel with fine and correct Colt one line address on top, “ADDRESS COL. SAM’L COLT NEW YORK, U S AMERICA,” and the correct small blade front sight. The left side of the frame is correctly stamped “COLT’S PATENT.” The cylinder is also marked with the one line Colt patent dates under the “COLTS PATENT” and serial number stamping on the side of the cylinder. Portions of the original roll engraved cylinder scene are also visible. The upper right rear side of the brass trigger guard is correctly stamped “44 CAL.” The attached loading lever functions properly and the one piece walnut grips are in fine condition. This very early Civil War issued Model 1860 Colt still maintains a crisp, tight and fully functioning action with strong springs and fine frame screws. It also displays a mellow brass trigger guard that shows no signs of cleaning or polishing. Even the bore retains fine, deep rifling. All of this model made during the Civil War were issued and saw use. Many, especially early issued Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers, were lost on battle fields and recovered by Southern Troops where they continued service for the Confederacy. It is very difficult to find such an early four-screw example with this much visual appeal and fine mechanical condition. An iconic historical firearm of the violent close-contact battles of the Civil War and later in the turbulent Wild West, this sound example is worthy of any Colt, Civil War, Old West or museum collection. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.
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