This is an exceptionally nice Colt Thuer conversion Model 1860 Army revolver manufactured from 1868-71. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, and back strap; casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer; and a silver plated brass trigger guard. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT". The full serial number "184220" is stamped on the frame, bottom of the barrel lug, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder pin is numbered "4220", and the cylinder is numbered "470". The rear of the cylinder has been correctly shortened to accommodate the Thuer conversion ring, and the ring has a correct script "E" on the side, which denotes the eject position. The rear of the cylinder has been stamped with assembly numbered "62", and the rear of the conversion ring is stamped "61". In addition to the cylinder modifications, the right side of the barrel lug has been machined (or scooped out) to permit front loading of the cartridge, and the rear of the plunger has been properly drilled out and threaded for the Thuer loading fixture (not included). The left side of the brass trigger guard was originally stamped "36 Cal." and has been properly overstamped with "44 Cal." The conversion ring has the distinctive knurled turning knob, rebounding firing pin, and ejection mechanism. It is correctly fitted with a varnished one-piece walnut grip. The Thuer conversion was the first Colt revolver to utilize a metallic cartridge and is a scarce and historically significant revolver that is missing from many of the antique Colt arms collections.

Fine overall. The frame and hammer retain 80% plus of their original case colors overall fading slightly on the left rear side of the frame. The loading lever retains 50% of its case colors thinning overall and has more colors mostly on the rear protected area. The back strap retains 40% of its blued finish and has blue loss on the lower half. The trigger guard retains 25% of the silver plating, mostly in the protested areas, and a nice, aged patina on the exposed brass. The cylinder retains 40% of its blue finish, mostly on the rear half of the cylinder, and has a clear distinct battle scene and some very minor dark spots on the front edges. The Thuer conversion ring retains 60% plus original blue finish mixed with some browning. The barrel retains 40% original blue finish, mostly on the lower sides, underside, and in the protected areas, and the upper portion of the barrel has a gray patina mixed with some old touch-up blue finish in some areas. The varnished walnut grip is in very fine condition with most of the original varnish overall and with both sides showing some minor nicks and light handling marks in some areas and along the lower edges. Overall a superior condition, very desirable Colt 1860 Army Thuer conversion revolver.