This is an example of a Colt Model 1860 Army revolver that has been factory fitted with a Richards conversion unit. It is theorized that these late conversions were all based on using up the leftover 1860 percussion revolvers that still remained at the Colt factory. This type of conversion was performed by supplying a new cylinder in the Colt 44 CF cartridge, fitting it with a new cylinder ring in front of the recoil shield and installing a new loading gate on the frame with an internal spring. The loading lever has been replaced with an ejector housing on the right side of the barrel lug which has the cross-hatched ejector head. The conversion breech plate has a firing pin and integral rear sight. The hammer face is milled flat, and the spur is cross-hatched with a border. The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-", the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT", and the left trigger guard shoulder is marked "44 CAL". The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy scene and marked "COLT'S PATENT No. 324". The bottom of the barrel lug is marked "1588", "1553" is on the frame, trigger guard and back strap; "309" is on the cylinder pin, and the wedge is un-numbered. The assembly number "309" is located on the left side of the breech plate and on the loading gate. The revolver has a three screw frame, brass trigger guard, iron back strap and fitted with a one-piece oil finished walnut grip.

Fine as assembled with 90% nickel finish remaining, showing wear on the muzzle and high points, and some minor pitting on the barrel, as well as some minor scratches and dings around the wedge. The trigger guard retains 80% original silver plating with an aged patina on the exposed brass. The grip is good with heavy wear on the lower edges and corners and a few minor dents and handling marks. The cylinder scene is mostly visible, and the markings are clear. The action is fine.