Rare first-year production Colt Model 1860 Army revolver with distinctive features found only on approximately 50 of the first 100 Model 1860 Army revolvers. The revolver has the following distinctive features 7 1/2 inch barrel, Navy size one-piece walnut grip, three-screw frame that is not cut for a shoulder stock, no capping channel in the recoil shield, no stock lug recess in the back strap and round rebated cylinder. The barrel has the Colt Hartford address and the brass trigger guard and back strap have a silver-plated finish. On page 163 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS", authority R. L. Wilson states: "Approximately 55 of the first 100 revolvers have round, rebated cylinders, three-screw frames not cut for shoulder stock, Hartford barrel address, silver-plated brass back straps and trigger guards, 7 1/2 inch barrels and Navy size grips." Wilson further states that none of the first 100 Model 1860 Army revolvers manufactured had capping channels in the recoil shields. The serial number, "61" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, wedge, cylinder arbor pin, bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. "61" is written in pencil in the back strap recess on the grip. The serial number on the cylinder is not legible. "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame.

Very good. The revolver has a smooth silver-gray patina on most components. The Hartford address on the top of the barrel is partially legible. The cylinder has polish marks and only traces of the roll-engraved Texas Navy battle scene are visible. The cylinder pins are battered and the percussion nipples have moderate flash pitting. Traces of the silver-plated finish remain in protected areas of the trigger guard and back strap. The nickel-silver front sight blade has been carefully filed to a cone shape. The grip is good overall with an old chip near the right heel and edge wear on the shoulders. The action requires repair. Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers with Navy size grips are a true Colt rarity and a highly desirable addition to any advanced collection of Colt percussion revolvers.