This is an example of a very scarce U.S. Colt Model 1860 Richards Conversion Revolver and is number 901 of the estimated 1,126 Model 1860 Revolvers converted to the Richards system for the U.S. Ordnance Department. The top of the barrel has the one line New York U.S. America address, "COLTS PATENT" (double stamped) on the left side of the frame and the navy scene with "COLTS PATENT No 801" on the cylinder. The revolver has the distinctive breech plate with notch rear sight and center firing pin. The breech plate, loading gate and barrel have the assembly number "901". The ejector rod has a smooth ejector rod head. The left side of the barrel lug is stamped "US". The frame and grip straps also have the assembly number "901" with the serial number "126037" on the frame and the serial number "141031" on the grip straps. All of the other number 901 conversion numbers match. These types of U.S. cartridge revolvers are generally found with mixed numbers due to the fact that the revolvers were converted from in-service percussion revolvers. The correct Ainsworth "A" inspection mark is found on the left side of the barrel lug, ahead of the trigger guard, and rear face of the cylinder. Fitted with a smooth one-piece grip.

Good as period refinished, showing a smooth dark blue finish with some very scattered pin point pitting. Half of the cylinder scene remains. The revarnished grip is good with rounded edges, a missing minor chip near the bottom and a few mild handling marks. Mechanically fine. One will look a long time before they will find another one of these most historic Indian War Colt Revolvers!