This Model 1860 Army revolver was manufactured by Colt in 1861 (the second year of production). Over 200,000 of these "New Model Army" revolvers were produced between 1860 through approximately 1873. They were designed to be a lighter weight and streamlined replacement for the earlier Colt Dragoon revolvers and were preferred by many soldiers and civilians alike for their accuracy, comparably light weight, and balance. The U.S. government purchased 127,156 of these revolvers. They were the primary Union Army revolver during the war and nearly all of those produced before the end of the war, certainly nearly all of the early production revolvers, saw hard use. However, this example managed to survive relatively unscathed. It has a casehardened four screw frame, cut recoil shield, and back strap slot for securing a removable shoulder stock (not included). The fourth screw was only used on approximately the first 50,000 revolvers produced during the first three years of production. The blued barrel has the standard German silver blade front sight and is marked with the "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" address used for the majority of the production run. A small "S" inspection mark is stamped on the left side at the breech. The blued rebated cylinder has the standard "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" battle between the Texas and Mexican navies in the Gulf of Mexico, "COLTS PATENT No. 7827/PAT. SEPT.10th 1850", and a "K" near the latter marking and an "S" between two of the nipples. The left side of the frame has the "COLTS/PATENT" marking. The brass trigger guard has another "S" behind the bow, and the back strap has another just behind the hammer. All of the visible serial numbers match. The casehardened hammer has borderless knurling. The one-piece walnut grip has the "ADK" cartouche of inspector A.D. King (active 1850-1865).

Excellent as issued. The revolver retains 90% plus of the original blue finish and 97% of the vivid original case colors. The barrel has scattered, barely noticeable, light surface corrosion present along the top, varnish residue around the front sight, and several minor scratches and marks. The loading lever retains dark case colors, has some slight spotting, a few slight scratches, and some minor rub wear at the hinge from use. The cylinder has a crisp roll scene, a couple of patches of brown patina, some small marks, and light rotation wear. The safety posts between the nipples and corresponding notch in the hammer remain in excellent condition. The frame has several minor scratches along with minor edge wear. The back strap has an area of gray patina at the top and other minimal handling wear. The front strap/trigger guard has an attractive aged patina. The grip is very fine with a distinct cartouche and numerous small dings and light scratches consistent with rack storage. The markings are clear throughout, but the front portion of the patent marking on the frame and serial numbers on the frame and barrel are somewhat faint/lightly struck. The action is excellent. This is among the highest condition Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers in existence and is certainly one of, if not the best, early four screw Model 1860 we have had the pleasure of offering. As R.L. Wilson noted in "The Book of Colt Firearms". More Colt Model 1860 revolvers were used by Union forces than any other handgun. As a consequence the U.S. marked 1860 pistols in fine condition are scarce." If you wanted to own a martially inspected U.S. Colt Model 1860 Army revolver, here it is!