Make: Colt

Model: 1860 Army Richards Conversion

Serial Number: 5423

Year of Manufacture: Originally manufactured during the percussion era, converted post-1871 (Antique)

Caliber: .44 Colt Centerfire

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Loading Gate Conversion, Six-Shot Cylinder

Barrel Length: 8 1/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a notch cut into the conversion breechplate.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are antique carved ivory with a diamond crosshatch checkering pattern. They show a rich patina with age toning and visible grain checking, typical of naturally aged elephant ivory. Both panels are well-fit to the frame, showing no major losses or cracks. There is only typical age-related crazing and deep golden coloration near the borders. The grips rate in about Fine condition for age.

Type of Finish: Originally Blued, now an even patina

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with strong rifling. There is very little visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains no original finish, now displaying a uniform gray-brown patina across all major components. The cylinder scene is faintly visible, with softened engraving. There are handling marks, scattered dings, and edge wear consistent with age. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool-marked. All visible serial numbers match: 5423 is found on the frame, trigger guard, barrel lug, and cylinder. The loading gate is numbered 1089. The markings remain legible. The revolver rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly with a solid lockup. The cylinder advances properly. The hammer locks securely at each notch. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A Certificate of Authenticity of African Ivory Grips

Our Assessment: This is a Colt Model 1860 Army revolver that has undergone a factory-style Richards conversion to metallic cartridge, chambered in .44 Colt centerfire. These conversions represent one of the most pivotal periods in Colt’s post-Civil War evolution—transforming surplus percussion revolvers into cartridge-firing arms in response to the expiration of the Rollin White patent and the rapid adoption of self-contained ammunition. The Richards system, patented in 1871 and 1872, marked Colt’s first true entry into factory cartridge conversions, establishing a critical evolutionary link between percussion revolvers and purpose-built cartridge models like the 1871–72 Open Top and the 1873 Single Action Army.

Fewer than 10,000 true 1860 Army Richards conversions were produced, making them inherently scarce—especially examples like this with matching serial numbers on the frame, barrel lug, trigger guard, and cylinder. These factory conversions are significantly more desirable than civilian or gunsmith conversions, both for their technical pedigree and for their historical importance. This example displays all the defining features of an early Richards: breechplate with integral rear sight, floating firing pin, and a loading gate fitted to the recoil shield. The barrel retains a uniform gray-brown patina, the bore is bright with strong rifling (9/10), and the frame bears clear 1871 and 1872 patent markings. The grips are antique carved ivory with tight fitment, crosshatch checkering, and a warm, aged patina that enhances its presentation.

As a transitional arm linking the percussion and metallic cartridge eras, the Richards Conversion stands as a cornerstone in postbellum American arms development and collecting. This particular revolver—with its largely matching numbers, tight mechanics, outstanding bore, and exceptional ivory grips—offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a documented piece of Colt’s engineering legacy. It embodies both the rugged utility of the Civil War-era sidearm and the elegance of Colt’s first cartridge-era adaptations, making it a standout piece for the advanced collector.