This is an example of a Colt M1860 manufactured in 1860, the first year of production, that subsequently received a Richards-Mason conversion. Total production of the M1860 Richards-Mason Revolvers is estimated to have been fewer than 1200 revolvers. The M1860 Richards-Mason Revolver is one of the scarcest Colt cartridge conversion revolvers. The revolver has the distinctive breech plate with a loading gate marked "1205" and hammer with added centerfire pin and notch rear sight. The face of the ejector rod head has concentric rings. The revolver has a blued barrel, ejector assembly, cylinder and iron back strap. The frame and hammer have a casehardened finish. The brass trigger guard is silver plated and fitted with one-piece grips. The top of the barrel with the brass blade front sight is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.", the 6-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy scene and the left side of the frame is marked "-PAT.JULY,25.1871- / -PAT.JULY,2.1872,-" with "44 CAL" marked on the left trigger guard shoulder. Matching serial number on barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap with the partial serial number (999) marked on the cylinder.

Refinished and stretched with the metal surfaces exhibiting a smooth artificial dark patina and some minor handling marks. The barrel has been professionally lengthened back to the original 8 inch length. The brass retains approximately half of the bright silver plating. The cylinder engraving is clear and crisp. The grips are very good with some minor handling marks. The action is fine. From the Will Hoffeld collection.

Manufactured between 1850 and 1873, this particular revolver was produced in 1860. This is an interesting example of a 1849 Pocket revolver. The barrel is a 6 inch part octagon that has been turned down (from original octagonal configuration), marked on the top flat "{ADDRESS SAML COLT/ NEW YORK CITY}". The square back trigger guard is to late to fall with in the proper serial number range of 13,000 and the trigger is to long. 5-shot cylinder roll engraved with the stage coach holdup scene. The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS / PATENT". The left side of the trigger bow is marked with a "V" and the shoulder a "G". Full matching serial numbers are marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder with partial serial number "6040" on the loading lever and "66040" on the wedge. Fitted with a one piece smooth varnished walnut grip.

Refinished with a modified trigger guard and altered barrel. No original finish remains on the barrel, the balance is now a mottled gray satin patina exhibiting dark spotting only on the barrel lug with handling marks and dings scattered down the length. The casehardened loading has mostly silvered out with some spotting and surface scratches. The frame shows faint original case colors in protected areas the balance has darkened to a mottled patina with light handling marks and surface scratches. The cylinder is an even cleaned bright gray patina with dings and some minor isolated pin prick pitting. The grip strap and trigger guard show patches of original silver plated finish all in sheltered areas the balance is now a smooth even mellow brass patina. The grips are revarnished with some casual pressure marks and patches of worn varnish. A "fantasy" variation of M1849 revolver. Provenance: The Will Hoffeld Collection