This revolver was converted around the early 1870s for the U.S. government based on the designs of Charles Brinckerhoff Richards, Colt's Superintendent of Engineering, who was also one of the designers of the Colt Single Action Army just a couple of years later. The revolver is marked with the small "US" marking on the left side of the barrel above the wedge that identifies the U.S. contract conversion revolvers and also has small inspection marks on several components. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and the one-line New York address. The cylinder has the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll-scene, and the usual patent markings are on the cylinder and frame. The breechplate has an integral rear sight. The matching conversion serial number "522" on the barrel, frame, cylinder, breechplate, loading gate, butt, and rear mortise of the grip. In addition, traces of the original serial numbers are visible on the barrel, frame, and back strap. The arbor pin is marked "4268," and the trigger guard is marked "98112/146." "146" is also stamped on the wedge, and "641" (possibly an error) is marked on the ejector housing where it fits into the original loading lever slot. The front strap was originally on a commercial revolver given the silver-plated finish.

Fine. These rare U.S. conversion revolvers are scarcely seen in fine condition as they were heavily used. The barrel and ejector retain 75% plus Colt military blue finish, and patches of original blue finish also remain on the protected areas of the cylinder and back strap. The frame has 25% of the fading original case colors remaining. The balance of the steel has mostly smooth gray or brown patina, and there are some light scratches and marks and slight spotting. The front grip strap retains strong original silver plating around the trigger guard bow and on the sides under the grip. Most of the screws display strong original niter blue finish and minimal wear. The grip is very fine and has smooth oiled finish, minor lower edge wear including tiny flakes at the toe, and minor handling and storage wear. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the finest U.S. Richards conversion Colt Model 1860 Armys we have offered at auction.