Make: Colt
Model: 1861 Navy Percussion Range Centerfire Richards-Mason Conversion
Serial Number: 2681
Year of Manufacture: 1873-1876 / Antique
Caliber: .38 Long Colt Centerfire
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Side-Gate Loaded Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "ADDRESS COL. SAML NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA". The underside of the barrel lug, trigger guard plate, frame, toe of the butt of the grip frame, rear of the cylinder, and rear of the wood stock are marked with serial number "2681". The wedge is marked "160". The arbor and loading gate are both marked "1161". The left of the frame is marked "PAT. JULY, 25, 1871 / PAT. JULY, 2, 1872", which is struck over the original "COLT'S / PATENT" mark, the left of the trigger guard is marked "36 CAL". The cylinder is marked "COLT'S PATENT No. 1996", with faint remnants of the standard Naval Engagement roll engraving.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade, fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V" notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a one piece smooth walnut stock. There are scattered scratches and nicks. There is a notable dent on the left side of the rip. There are initials on the right side of the grip that are no longer legible. There are no cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition as antique.
Type of Finish: Blue with Case Colored Hammer & Frame, Silver Plated Brass Grip Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull with deep rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 5% of its metal finish. There are some trace amounts of case color in some of the protected areas. Most of the finish has worn to white and taken to a light mottled patina with intermittent oxidation and erosion. The screw heads range from light to moderately tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are legible, most are faded. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The timing is good on all chambers except for one due to one of the notches being worn enough to not catch. The hammer has a strong mainspring. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This revolver started life as an 1861 Navy model in .36 Caliber Ball and was converted sometime in about 1872 to accept .38 Long Colt centerfire cartridges with the Richards-Mason patent. The right of the frame was milled and a loading gate was installed, along with an ejector and rod housing. .38 Long Colt was an improvement on the previous 'Short' cartridge and was a hell of a lot faster to load than cap and ball items during the same time period. The utilization of self contained metallic cartridges continues to this day in military service. This item represents a transition from the old to new world and will shine in any collection.
