In House Shipping:
Make: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 188945
Year of Manufacture: 1870 (
https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44 Caliber Ball
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Cylinder Loaded Percussion Revolver
Markings: The bottom rear of the barrel assembly is marked “188945”. “IP” is stamped under the serial number. The underside of the frame in front of the trigger guard, the bottom of the grip frame in front of the trigger guard, and the bottom of the backstrap are each marked “188945”. “IP” is stamped under the serial number. The outside of the cylinder has some of the roll-marked naval scene and “...945” left for observation. The top of the barrel is marked “-ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YOR…-“. The left of the frame is dimly marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “44 CAL” on the flat at the rear.
Barrel Length: 8”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has light-moderate handling wear with some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches. There is a small loss on the left at the bottom-front which is smoothed with age. The remnants of a Cartouche are observable on the left side. Overall, the grip is in about Good condition as an Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Brass (Now in the white)
Finish Originality: Not refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn, but visible. There is light erosion scattered through the bore. There is fronting in each chamber and somewhat scattered near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 0% of its metal finish. Most original parts have gone to a light-moderate patina with some scattered erosion, nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The loading lever still has no case color. The wedge also has no case color. The trigger guard has a mustard patina with some scattered darker discoloration. The action has operational wear. There is erosion and stubborn grease around all of the nipples. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly disfigured with useable slots. The markings range from generally clear to blurred, the cylinder naval scene is mostly worn and interrupted in some areas by erosion. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has minimal play to the frame, but the wedge is tight in its slot. The cylinder locks up with little play on each chamber. 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: A leather holster and rig are included with the revolver.
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 the total number produced of the various models of percussion Colt handguns. This revolver was made in 1870 and appears to be a commercial model, lacking most martial markings aside from the cartouche on the left side of the grip. All numbered parts match. The revolver is in about good condition as an antique with a bore that is not too bad for 150 years of black powder use, markings range from clear to blurred, and strong mechanics apart from the wedge which is loose in its slot. This revolver is a decent example of 1860 and was made during an important period of American history as the nation recovered from the Civil War and expanded across the continent.