This Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was manufactured in 1868 and modified by Colt for the Thuer cartridge conversion. This revolver falls within the 172,000-180,000 serial number range for most Model 1860 Thuer conversions. This revolver has the distinctive Thuer modifications which include a bored through cylinder modified to accept the Thuer conversion ring, a barrel lug machined on the right side to accept Thuer cartridges, a loading lever plunger threaded to receive the Thuer priming punch and a hardened disk recessed into the hammer face. The Thuer conversion ring has the script "E" engraved in the eject position, a rebounding firing pin and a knurled turning knob. A small "4" assembly number is stamped on the inside of the conversion ring and on the rear face of the cylinder. The conversion ring lacks the 1868 patent markings found on most Thuer conversion rings. The hammer has the late bordered knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend "-ADDRESS COL. SAML. COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. The left side of the frame is roll stamped with the standard two line "COLTS/PATENT" markings. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No.". The full serial number is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "634" is stamped on the wedge, cylinder arbor pin and cylinder and the assembly numbers match. The revolver has a period nickel plated barrel, loading lever, frame, hammer, trigger guard, back strap and conversion ring. The cylinder is gold plated. Mixed plated finishes on Thuer Conversion revolvers were usually done outside the Colt factory. The one-piece varnished walnut grip has a high polish piano finish. Thuer Conversion revolvers were Colt's attempt to manufacture a cartridge revolver that did not infringe on the Rollin White patent. Total production was approximately 5,000 revolvers in several models between 1869-1872.

Excellent. The revolver retains 95% original nickel plated finish. The nickel plated finish is slightly flaked at the muzzle and there are a few scattered handling marks on the barrel and frame. The cylinder retains traces of the delicate gold plated finish over the nickel plated underlayment which is nearly all present. All of the Texas Navy battle scene is present on the cylinder and the frame, barrel, frame and conversion ring markings are crisp. The grip is in near new condition with all of the high polish piano finish. The action functions perfectly. This is an excellent example of a scarce Colt Model 1860 Army Thuer Conversion with rarely encountered nickel and gold plated finish. It would be difficult to find a better example of this scarce and desirable Colt Model 1860 Thuer Conversion revolver.