Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army, Butterfield Overland Dispatch Commemorative
Serial Number: 201048
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: .44 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action Cap and Ball Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with "BUTTERFIELD OVERLAND DESPATCH" bordered with vine scroll. The right side of the barrel is marked with "SPECIAL EDITION 1 OF 500" bordered with vine scroll. The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY AMERICA-". The cylinder is engraved with the Butterfield Stagecoach scene. The spare cylinder is engraved with a portrait of Col. David Butterfield, Conestoga wagon, and long horn steer. The left side of the frame is marked with "COLTS / PATENT / U.S.". The left side of the trigger guard is marked "44 CAL". The bottom of the barrel, frame, and trigger guard are marked with the serial number, with a partial serial number on the butt.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2" Round Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a 'V' notch groove in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece smooth walnut. There are very faint handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: "F" Series Colt Blue barrel, cylinder, and back strap. Case hardened 4-screw frame, hammer, loading lever, and plunger. Brass trigger guard and front strap.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. The front sight has some verdigris at the base. The brass shows some discoloration from age and handling. The loading lever and hammer show operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes french-fit book-style presentation case, extra cylinder, and informational paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Colt's Manufacturing Company Model 1860 Army is one of the defining percussion revolvers of the Civil War period, designed by Samuel Colt to deliver .44 caliber performance in a refined and well-balanced platform. Its rebated cylinder and streamlined profile made it lighter and more manageable than earlier Dragoon revolvers, earning widespread use among Union troops. The .44 caliber cap and ball system became emblematic of mid-19th century military sidearms, offering substantial power for its time. Colt’s 2nd Generation black powder revolvers of the 1970s are recognized for their quality and attention to historical detail, and commemorative editions such as this Butterfield Overland Dispatch example pay tribute to significant chapters of American frontier history, specifically the famed overland mail and stagecoach routes established prior to the Civil War.
This 1979 Special Edition revolver presents in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original finish with light operational wear on the loading lever and hammer. The engraved Butterfield stagecoach scene on the cylinder and the included spare cylinder featuring Col. David Butterfield and frontier motifs add strong visual and historical appeal. The revolver includes its French fit book-style presentation case and accompanying paperwork, enhancing its display and collectible presence. Please see our photos and good luck with your bids!
