Make: Uberti, finished/issued by Williamsburg Firearms Manufactory for the United States Historical Society
Model: Buffalo Bill Centennial Presentation Model 1860 Army
Serial Number: 1339
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Caliber: .44 Caliber Black Powder
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver with Six-Shot Cylinder
Barrel Length: 8"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a notch in the hammer, visible when the hammer is cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a smooth one-piece faux ivory grip. The grip has a bright cream color and high gloss finish. There are no visible cracks or chips. There are only light handling marks. Overall, the grip is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: High polish blue, full gold-plated cylinder, gold decoration, gold-plated brass grip straps and trigger guard
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its original metal finish. The high polish blue finish remains strong. The gold decoration is bright, sharp, and attractive throughout. The gold-plated cylinder retains crisp pictorial decoration. The gold-plated grip frame and trigger guard show strong finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings and decorative panels are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this black powder revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes housed in its large walnut-finished hardwood presentation case. The case has a gilt-decorated leather-style inset panel in the lid, a green velveteen fitted interior, brass hardware, and an engraved brass presentation plaque mounted inside the lid. The interior is French-fitted for the revolver and accessories. The accessory compartments are present, but the accessories as well as the key are not included.
Our Assessment: This revolver bears both the Uberti logo and the crowned ‘W’ mark associated with Williamsburg Firearms Manufactory, indicating an Uberti-made 1860 Army base revolver finished, embellished, or issued by Williamsburg Firearms Manufactory for the United States Historical Society. Only 2,500 were made in 1983. It is an elaborately embellished reproduction of the Colt Model 1860 Army, chambered in .44 caliber black powder, and issued as a commemorative presentation piece honoring William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. The revolver features an 8" streamlined round barrel with creeping loading lever, high polish blued finish, extensive gold decoration, a fully gold-plated rebated cylinder, gold-plated grip straps and trigger guard, and smooth faux ivory grip. The decoration includes Buffalo Bill mounted on horseback, Western landscape motifs, stagecoach scenes, ornate scroll borders, and Cody-related pictorial panels on the cylinder.
These U.S. Historical Society commemoratives were intended as high-grade display arms rather than ordinary shooters, and this example appears to have been preserved accordingly. The revolver presents beautifully, with nearly all of its finish remaining and strong gold decoration throughout. The original presentation case is included and makes for an attractive display, though the accessory compartments are empty. This is a handsome Western commemorative for collectors of Colt reproductions, percussion revolvers, Buffalo Bill memorabilia, and U.S. Historical Society presentation arms.
