Make: Colt

Model: 1860 Army, Factory Engraved

Serial Number: 121143

Year of Manufacture: 1863

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, arbor, and cylinder. The serial number on the wedge does not match. The outside of the cylinder has a roll-marked naval scene. This revolver is engraved in the style of Gustav young with an Eagle head above the barrel wedge and a wolf head on each side of the hammer incorporated into the engraving. There is a round punch mark under each of the serial numbers on the frames and barrel indicating this was a special order.

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. 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, Gustav Young style Engraved.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is mild to heavy erosion concentrated primarily in the muzzle. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 5% of its metal finish. There is intermittent oxidation and erosion throughout. The finish has worn to white. The engraving is sharp and attractive. The action shows operational wear. The nipples are in good shape. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with minor 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 wooden case, a black powder flask, and a two cavity Colt Patent bullet mould, and Eley London cap tin.

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 factory engraved Colt Model 1860 Army revolver, manufactured in 1863 during the height of the American Civil War, represents a rare and highly desirable special order percussion sidearm from Colt’s Hartford production. Chambered in .44 caliber and fitted with the full length 8 inch barrel, the 1860 Army was the primary martial revolver of Union forces, prized for its balance and stopping power. This example is distinguished by period engraving executed in the style of Gustav Young, including the eagle head above the barrel wedge and wolf head motifs flanking the hammer, elements closely associated with Colt’s highest grade factory engraving of the era. The presence of round punch marks beneath the serial numbers further supports its status as a special order revolver.

Despite significant finish loss consistent with wartime and post war use, the revolver retains strong visual appeal through its crisp engraving, clear markings, and correct mechanical function. The bore shows notable erosion toward the muzzle, yet rifling remains visible, and the action operates correctly with a solid barrel fit and crisp trigger. Accompanied by a period style case and original accoutrements including a flask, Colt mould, and Eley cap tin, this revolver presents as an evocative Civil War era Colt that combines battlefield heritage with factory engraved artistry.