This is an example of a Colt Model 1860 Army Richards-Mason Conversion Revolver. Colt manufactured approximately 2,100 of these conversions in 1877 and 1878 utilizing the Model 1860 Army frame and cylinder and a special barrel with no provision for a loading lever hole. The revolver is chambered for the .44 Colt center fire cartridge and has an 8 inch barrel. The revolver breech plate lacks the integral rear sight found on earlier cartridge conversion revolvers and is cut at the top to allow the hammer to strike the cartridge. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard one-line address: "COLTS PT. F. A MFG. & CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.". The left side of the frame is marked: "- PAT. JULY 25, 1871-/- PAT. JULY 2, 1872-". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel, frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The rear of the loading gate is stamped with the batch number "905". Fitted with a one-piece ivory grip. The Model 1860 Richards-Mason Revolver is one of the scarcest Colt cartridge conversion revolvers.

Good. The trigger guard and front strap retain traces of the nickel finish, otherwise the metal surfaces have been cleaned bright and there is extensive scattered, moderate pitting. The grips are undersized and remain very good with a small chip on the right toe, some minor age cracks and a pleasant caramel color. The markings are clear. The action is fine.