This is a first Model Colt Richards Conversion Revolver with the rare 12-stop cylinder. The revolver has the characteristic Richards conversion features: (1) modified recoil shield, breech plate with integral rear sight, loading gate, rebounding firing pin, and flat face hammer, (2) barrel modified to accept the Richards ejector assembly, (3) plugged rammer hole with plug secured by a screw in the left side of the barrel lug and (4) cylinder with 12-stops rather than the usual six. The revolver has a blued barrel, ejector, cylinder, and backstrap with casehardened frame, breech plate, loading gate, and hammer; silver plated brass trigger guard. The top of the barrel has Colt's "NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA…" address. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame and "44 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard at the junction of the grip and frame. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy scene and "COLTS PATENT". The full serial number is located on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. The partial serial number "686" is stamped on the cylinder. All of the serial numbers match. An assembly number, "430", is stamped on the breech plate and the loading gate.

Very good. The revolver has 30% of the original blue finish. The noticeable blue finish is present on the lower portions of the barrel, barrel lug and ejector rod. There are scattered light dents on both sides of the barrel lug. The rebated portions of the cylinder retains 30% of the blue finish. A small hole has been deliberately punched in the six cylinder stops located above the chamber. The back strap has a blue-gray age patina. The hammer and frame have traces of the faded casehardening. There are traces of the silver plated finish on protected areas of the trigger guard. All of the original markings are sharp. The revarnished grips have been resanded but remains in very good condition. The action is functional but the hammer does not hold at half cock. A scarce example of an early Colt Model 1860 Army Richards conversion revolver with rare 12-stop cylinder.