Very early Colt Richards Conversion 1860 Army Revolver. One of the rarest of the big caliber single action Colts is this factory utilization of left over 1860 Army frames, barrels and cylinders to make holster-size .44 Colt center fire revolvers. Only a very limited number of these fine frontier six guns were made from 1871- 1878. This was a time when most of the new 1873 Peacemaker Single Actions were going to fill U.S. Government contracts and this was Colts way of supplying the demand for a large .44 caliber cartridge revolver as well as using up parts. Easily identified by the conversion breech plate with integral firing pin and rear sight. The Richards conversion revolvers used Model 1860 Army barrel assemblies with the rammer housing filled and ejector fitted to the right side of the barrel. Most of these heavy holster revolvers saw hard use in the post-Civil War west. Those few of the original number that have survived to the present are often in hard used and abused condition. This example has the matching serial numbered 6” barrel marked on the top “ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA.” These rare early production examples are all in the serial range of 1-8700 with this example numbered 4510. This number is also on the trigger guard, barrel and back strap. Additionally, it has the less common and desirable 1871 and 1872 two line patent dates on the left side of the frame. Fine worn one piece walnut grips, overall a deep uncleaned brown aged patina that shows no signs of cleaning or buffing. Popular with cowboys, lawmen and gunfighters. Fine mechanically and one of the most difficult of the Old West Frontier Colts to obtain especially in this condition. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.