This is a rare example of a "U.S." marked and inspected 1860 First Model Richards Cartridge Conversion Revolver. This revolver is one of the 5,000 Richards revolvers that were manufactured as a breech loading metallic cartridge guns and not conversions of Model 1860 Army black powder revolvers. The serial number "376" is stamped on: (1) the back strap, (2) trigger guard, (3) frame, (4) barrel lug, (5) outside of the loading gate, (6) conversion ring, (7) cylinder, (8) ejector housing and (9) upper barrel lug behind the ejector housing. A "U.S." property mark is stamped on the left side of the barrel lug ahead of the wedge screw. Small "A" (Ainsworth) Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on the cylinder and on the trigger guard below the serial number. A script "JT" Ordnance sub-inspection mark is stamped on the lower right side of the grip and a three-initial final inspection mark is stamped on the lower left side of the grip. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the Colt New York address. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame. The revolver has the early internal gate spring. The ejector rod has a ball-shaped tip, the ejector rod head is cross hatched, and the hammer spur has borderless knurling. The revolver has a three-screw frame and brass trigger guard. Most U.S. contract Richards revolvers were conversions of black powder pistols with mismatched serial numbers. U.S. marked Richards revolvers with matching serial numbers in the 1-5000 serial number range are scarce.

Good. The revolver has a silver-gray patina. Metal surfaces are lightly textured and have minor dents and scratches. The Colt barrel legend is light. 30% of the roll-engraved naval scene is present on the cylinder. The serial numbers are clear. The one-piece walnut grip is in good overall condition; there is a chip in the middle of the lower left side of the grip and a smaller chip at the heel. The Ordnance inspection and sub-inspection marks on the grip are faint but legible. This is a solid example of a scarce U.S. contract Colt Richards Model 1860 Army revolver. These seldom are found in any condition as they were nearly all issued and saw extensive use!