This prototype Model 1860 Colt Army revolver is pictured on pages 156 and 158 of THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS by R. L. Wilson. The author describes the revolver as: "Serial #2 of the prototype series of the Model 1860 Army". Wilson states that the prototype Model 1860 Army revolvers form a special group with their own serial number range that runs from 1-10 and that examples of these extremely rare prototypes are located in the Wadsworth Athenaeum and Connecticut State Library Colt collections. The revolver has a blued barrel, cylinder and backstrap, casehardened loading lever, three-screw frame and hammer, brass trigger guard and one-piece, oil-finished walnut grips. The serial number, "2" is stamped on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, rear face of the cylinder, loading lever, cylinder arbor pin and the barrel wedge. All of the serial numbers match. The top of the barrel, left side of the frame and the cylinder flutes are unmarked. In addition to the lack of the Colt address on the barrel and patent markings on the frame and cylinder; the revolver has several unique features that include: (1) flat sided, Model 1851 style loading lever, (2) early pattern fluted cylinder with holes for cylinder pins, but no cylinder safety pins installed, (3) Model 1851 Navy size brass trigger guard with 3/8 inch extension at the bottom to accommodate the larger Army grip.

Fine. The barrel, cylinder and backstrap have a gray-brown age patina with strong traces of the original blue finish in protected areas. Metal surfaces are smooth and free from pitting and significant handling marks. The percussion nipples are covered with hardened grease and the front and rear face of the cylinder shows minimal evidence of flash pitting or firing wear. The frame and hammer retain 70% of the distinct original casehardened finish. The face of the hammer and hammer well are free from flash pitting. The casehardened finish has faded to a plum brown patina on the sides of the loading lever, but strong colors are visible in protected areas. The screws on the barrel, frame and backstrap show traces of the niter blue finish and are free from screwdriver battering. The brass trigger guard has a mellow age patina. The grips are excellent with minimal dents and scratches and most of the original finish intact. The bore is bright. All of the serial numbers are crisp. The revolver shows very little firing wear. This is an outstanding example of a historically significant and extremely rare prototype Colt Model 1860 Fluted Cylinder Army revolver that would greatly enhance any collection.