This is an example of a U.S. Richards Conversion Colt Model 1860 Army revolver with all matching numbers. U.S. Richards conversion revolvers are commonly found with mismatched numbers. Total production of Model 1860 Army Richards conversion revolvers is estimated at approximately 9,000. These revolvers were converted by shaving the recoil shield 3/16 of an inch and installing a Richards breech plate with integral notch sight and loading gate. The recoil shield was machined to provide a straight channel for the loading and ejecting of cartridges. Secondly it called for a rebounding firing pin which in turn forced the hammer to be ground flat in order to strike it properly. The barrel then had to be machined to accept the Richards ejector assembly/loading lever channel filler that is secured with a screw on the left side of the barrel lug. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address, the rebated cylinder has the standard roll-engraved Texas Navy battle scene and is marked "COLT'S PATENT No.1147" The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT". The left side of the barrel is marked "US" and inspector Ainsworth marked "A". The matching serial number is marked on the barrel (twice), frame, trigger guard, cylinder, back strap and ejector housing. "C. BOLLEKAR" is marked twice on the trigger guard (origins of marking remain unknown). The U.S. inspector marked "M" appears with the serial number on the barrel, frame, and grip straps. This revolver is listed in Bruce McDowell's latest edition to his book "Colt Conversions" under the chapter "M Stamped Colt Richards Conversions Model Guns." He speculates that this was a sample submitted to the U.S. Ordnance Department. The revolver is fitted with a smooth one-piece walnut grip with a very faint cartouche on the left side.

Very good. The revolver has a dark mottled patina with traces of original blue finish in the protected areas. Traces of the cylinder scene remain. There is some scattered minor pitting present. The trigger guard has an attractive appearance. The grip is good with a few large pressure dents (mostly on the bottom) and some very scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.