This is an example of a Richards Conversion Model 1860 Army revolver. Total production is estimated at approximately 9,000 Model 1860 Army Revolvers that were ever converted with some of them being made from unused parts, such as this example. 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 U.S. America address, and the rebated cylinder has the standard roll-engraved Texas Navy battle scene, is marked: "COLT'S PATENT No.585" and retains the marking: "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" on the leading edge. The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT", and the left trigger guard shoulder is marked "44 CAL". Matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The loading gate and breech plate are numbered "1398". All nickel finish and fitted with a smooth one piece grip.

Fine. The revolver retains 80% period replated nickel finish possibly by the retailer. The trigger guard appears to have not been nickel plated and is beginning to take on an aged patina. There are traces of the original age darkened silver plating in protected areas. The grip is also fine with a few minor age cracks on the bottom and attractive grain and aged color. The markings and cylinder scene are clear. The action is excellent.