This revolver was manufactured in 1860 on the eve of the Civil War. Many of the revolvers within the 1860 dated serial number range are known to have been sold to dealers and agents from the South, and many no doubt saw use by Confederate officers during the Civil War. This revolver features the classic Germanic style engraving of Gustave Young and the other German immigrant engravers working for Colt in the 1850s and 1860s. The left side of the barrel has an eagle's head, and the left side of the frame is hand inscribed with "COLT'S/PATENT" in place of the usual stamped markings. The factory dash marking used to mark some of the revolvers for special finishing or grips is marked above or below the serial numbers along the bottom of the revolver. The hammer is stamped with five dots, often said to denote the level of work/time devoted by the shop in the embellishment. The barrel has a dovetailed blade front sight and the one-line Hartford address. The revolver also has the standard cylinder scene. "2" is marked near the bottom on the left of the barrel lug. The left side of the trigger guard has a "1" and a "G." The revolver is fitted with a very attractive smooth grip.

Very good with crisp engraving, 80% original silver plating remaining on the trigger guard and back strap, aged patina on the silver and exposed brass, mottled gray patina on the steel, mostly distinct cylinder scene, and general mild overall wear. The grip is fine and has attractive grain patterns and natural aged patina, minor age cracks, and slight shrinkage. Mechanically excellent.