This revolver features detailed custom scroll engraving along with an animal face on either side of the hammer and the otherwise smooth replacement grip has a relief engraved eagle clutching a shield on the right side at the bottom. The included factory letter lists this revolver with a "Blue/Brass" finish and wood grips as sold to the "United States Government" and shipped to the "Commanding Officer" at the New York Arsenal on Governor's Island, New York, on June 18, 1863, with a shipment of 1,000 guns of the same type. The top of the barrel has the one-line New York U. S. America address. "COLTS/PATENT" is marked in a banner on the left side of the frame, and the Texas naval battle scene is on the rebated cylinder. The matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap and the partial number "3798" is on the cylinder and cylinder pin. The wedges is unnumbered. It has German silver blade front and hammer notch rear sights. The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was the primary handgun issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War and remained the primary cavalry handgun until the Model 1873 Cavalry revolver was issued to the regular cavalry regiments in 1874.

Good as custom engraved. The revolver has primarily an even pewter gray patina with traces of custom blue retained on the hammer and traces on the grip straps, some brown patina forming, and a few scattered scratches and nicks. The brass has an attractive aged patina. The grip is fine with smooth surfaces and detailed carving. Mechanically excellent with crisp engraving aside from the faint cylinder scene and clear markings. Overall, a very attractive piece in government use during the Civil War.