The factory letter lists confirms this revolver was sold to the United States Government and was shipped to Captain R.H.K. Whiteley at the New York Arsenal on Governor's Island on June 4, 1861, in a shipment of 500 guns of this type. This was the one of the first shipments of Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers and is discussed on page 132 of "The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver" by Charles Pate where he notes that the revolvers in this shipment did not receive military inspection marks. On page 277, Pate indicates that the "2nd Model U.S. Military" Model 1860 Army revolvers were in the range up to approximately serial number 25000, and "All but 300 had 8-inch barrels. Approximately 1,274 had fluted cylinders." The latter are highly sought after by collectors as a rare and early variation. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight, the one-line New York address, and the toothed loading lever. The early "four-screw" frame has "COLTS/PATENT" on the left and is cut for a shoulder stock, and the iron back strap has the corresponding notch in the heel. The fluted cylinder has the 1850 patent marking in one flute. The trigger guard has a "D" on the left. Matching serial numbers are found on the wedge, arbor pin, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The grip has five "kill notches" on the left side, and four more are on the right side towards the top.

Good with mottled gray and brown patina, attractively aged patina on the trigger guard, generally distinct markings, a chip and what appears to be lead filler on the right side in the capping cut-out, replacement arbor pin renumbered to match, replacement wedge spring and artificially browned cylinder, peening at the joint of the barrel lug and frame, and mild pitting. The grip is good with moderate wear and some loss at the toe. Mechanically fine.