This is an excellent Colt 1860 Army revolver that has been factory fitted with a Richards conversion unit. This example is of the original first models and was one of the very last pistols manufactured with this conversion unit. It is theorized that these late conversions were all based on using up the left over 1860 percussion pistol that still remained at the Colt factory. This type of conversion was performed by supplying a new cylinder, in the Colt 44 CF cartridge, fitting it with a new cylinder ring in front of the recoil shield and installing a new loading gate on the frame with an internal spring. The loading lever has been replaced with an ejector housing on the right side of the barrel lug, which has the cross-hatched ejector head. The conversion breech plate has a firing pin and integral rear sight. The hammer face is milled flat and the spur is cross-hatched with no border. The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" and the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT". The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy scene and "COLT'S PATENT NO. 0011". The complete matching serial number "200011" is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The assembly number "489" is located only on the loading gate, and the wedge is unnumbered. The revolver has a three screw frame, brass trigger guard, iron back strap and one piece oil finished walnut grip.

Very fine. The revolver retains 70% of the original Colt blue finish with a brown patina on the balance. There is some spotting on top of the barrel and front section of the cylinder, and some oxidation on the back strap. The frame, rear cylinder ring, and hammer retain 60% of the mottled case colors with more vivid colors in the protected areas. The grip is fine with an old revarnished finish showing some wear on the lower edges, a small repair on the right toe, and a few minor dings and nicks. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. A very fine example of a 1860 Colt revolver with the Richards conversion.