Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 65598
Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .44 Caliber Ball
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Cylinder Loaded Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". The left of the frame is marked "COLTS / PATENT". The full serial number or a portion of it is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, arbor, cylinder and hand-written in the backstrap inlet of the grip. There is no serial marking on the wedge. The outside of the cylinder has a roll-marked naval scene. There are martial inspection marks on the left and right of the barrel at the wedge-slot, the outside of the cylinder, behind the trigger guard, the top of the backstrap and the bottom-right of the grip. Both sides of the grip have cartouches that are no longer legible but are still present. The bottom of the grip is carved with the initials "CA".
Barrel Length: 8", Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade, fixed to the barrel. There is a "V" notch rear sight in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one piece smooth walnut. The grip has scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. Most are light with a few more notable marks. There are nicks along the bottom edges that have resulted in some minor losses. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with deep rifling, sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is surface corrosion toward the muzzle end of the bore. The resulting pitting is not very deep. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 10% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn to a gray mottled patina with scattered oxidation and erosion. The action shows operational wear. The nipples are in good shape, the safety studs are worn, but present. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Good - Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber. The barrel has no play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Colt Archives Letter which records this revolver as having been shipped to the United States War Department to Lt. Col. G.D. Ramsay, Washington Arsenal on October 4, 1862 in a shipment of 1,000.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was easily the most popular army revolver on both sides of the conflict during the American Civil War. Approximately 127,000 of these revolvers were purchased for use by Union forces and several of the Confederate states had obtained a few thousand before the start of the hostilities as well. The Model 1860 Army was the successor to the Third Model Dragoon and ranks third in total number produced of the various models of percussion Colt handguns.
This revolver was made in 1862 and it looks great despite its age. It has good clear markings including its martial inspection marks, the cartouches on the stock show some wear, but are legible. With great mechanics and all matching serials you'll be hard pressed to find many original 1860s in this kind of condition. This revolver represents an important piece of history, and we only wish it could tell us its story.
