This is an extremely rare example of a U.S. Contract Colt Model 1860 Army percussion revolver that was manufactured in 1863 and changed to cartridge configuration by Colt, using the Richards system in 1871-1872. A total of 1,138 Colt 1860 Army percussion revolvers were delivered in this manner to the U.S. Ordnance Department. Most of the revolvers were issued to cavalry units on the frontier, most notably the famous 10th Cavalry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers), and saw hard use. Surviving examples of U.S. Richard's conversion Model 1860 Army revolvers are rare and inevitably show heavy service wear. This revolver has the standard Richards modifications which include the barrel shortened to 7 7/8-inches with flat crowned muzzle, ejector housing added to the right side of the barrel lug and loading lever slot and secured with a screw from left side of the lug, cross-hatched ejector rod head, modified cylinder with six stops, Richards conversion ring with integral rear sight, modified hammer and loading gate with internal spring. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". A "U.S." property mark is stamped on the left side of the barrel lug just above and ahead of the wedge slot. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PAT No." Single letter inspection marks are stamped on various components, these marks include a "B" stamped on the underside of the barrel just ahead of the ejector housing cut-out. "A" and "H/H" on the left side of the barrel lug behind the wedge slot. "A" on the bottom of the trigger guard below the cylinder, "H" on the top of the grip strap and "A", "PP" on the cylinder. The original serial number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel, frame, and trigger guard. The conversion serial number, "371" is stamped on the bottom of the ejector housing, the underside of the barrel behind the loading lever slot, the bottom of the barrel lug, bottom of the trigger guard, bottom of the back strap, cylinder, the conversion ring and the outside of the loading gate. All of the serial numbers match and are correct for a U.S. Richards Conversion revolver. The revolver has a one-piece oil-finished walnut grip. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the script initials of the Ordnance Sub-Inspector "OWA" (Orville W. Ainsworth) in a rectangle with rounded ends.

Fine. The revolver has an even plum brown patina on the barrel, ejector housing cylinder/conversion ring, hammer and back strap. Traces of the original casehardened finish are visible on the frame. The sides on the barrel lug have minor dents and scratches on the vicinity of the wedge slot. The cylinder retains about 70% of the naval scene and has traces of flash pitting on the face. The brass trigger guard has a mellow un-polished patina. The grip is in good overall condition with a few minor dents and scratches. The Ordnance inspection mark on the left heel is faint but legible. The barrel, frame, cylinder markings and the serial numbers are sharp. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a fine original example of a rare U.S. Contract Model 1860 Army Richards Conversion revolver that is extremely rare as they saw extensive usage! These revolvers are seldom encountered in any condition!