The Colt Model 1860 Army was the culmination of a series of improvements on Samuel Colt's original percussion revolver designs and was one of the key revolvers of the American Civil War and the Old West. It combined the .44 caliber stopping power of Colt's large "horse pistols" with the more compact size of the popular Colt Model 1851 Navy or "belt pistol" which could be more comfortably carried in a holster on the hip and also had an improved loading lever design. With an attachable shoulder stock, you could turn the revolver into a handy carbine for steadier aim, but these shoulder stocks, especially stocks matching numbered to the revolver, are hard to find. After the Civil War, many of these revolvers remained in use on the frontier even as metallic cartridge revolvers became more common in the 1870s. The company also continued to ship them overseas, including to the Colt London Agency. This very high condition Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was manufactured in 1866 shortly after the Civil War and has the "L" designation above or below the matching serial numbers along the bottom of the revolver designating it for the London Agency as well as London proof and view marks on the barrel and cylinder. The case also has the 14 Pall Mall, London, address on the directions label inside the lid. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and the New York address. The cylinder scene and patent markings are standard. "44 CAL" is stamped on the left rear shoulder of the blued iron trigger guard. The casehardened frame and blued iron back strap are cut for the included shoulder stock. The stock has silver plated furniture and the matching serial number on the lower tang and heel. The case also contains a large W. & C. Eley cap tin, cartridge pack, round container with patches, two L-shaped combination tools, blued ball/bullet mold, James Dixon & Sons "COLT'S NAVY FLASK," oiler, and cleaning rod. Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection

Extremely fine with 75% plus bright original blue finish remaining, some light fading mainly on the top of the barrel and cylinder, 95% plus original case colors, crisp markings and cylinder scene, and mostly only minor age and storage related wear. The grip is very fine and has some minor rub wear from mounting the shoulder stock at the top and some light dings and edge wear. Mechanically excellent. The matching shoulder stock is very fine and retains 85% plus original silver plating and has attractive aged patina on the brass and silver, nearly all of the original varnish finish remaining on the wood, and some light dings and scratches. The case is very good with period refinished exterior, fine original label in the lid, and moderately worn lining. The other accessories are fine and have mild age and storage related wear. Overall, this is a very attractive and rare set. You don't find cased Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers complete with matching shoulder stocks very often, let alone one in this high condition from the London Agency.