This is an incredible factory engraved and gold and silver plated antique Colt Model 1860 Army revolver from around the end of the American Civil War. The 1860 Army remained popular late into the 19th century, especially in the West where cap and ball loading firearms remained popular even after the emergence of metallic cartridge firing revolvers like the ever popular Single Action Army because ammunition could be hard to come by when isolated on the frontier. This revolver's "virtual mate" is pictured on age 169 of "Colt Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. In the included letter, Wilson notes that the current "intriguing and handsome" revolver was from a batch of factory engraved Model 1860 Army revolvers from c. 1865 near serial number 154300 and states the engraving on this revolver "is graceful and equal to the best factory atelier workmanship of the period, at Colt's." It seems likely that many of these engraved revolvers were purchased by or presented to Union heroes upon returning home, and many Americans moved to the West following the war to seek a better life thanks to the Homestead Acts. Wilson also states, " Traces of silver plating are evident, and it appears the cylinder, loading lever and hammer were finished in gold. The revolver's condition reflects frontier use, and is part of its romantic appeal. The ivory grips are also part of that romance: The relief carved Mexican eagle is of high quality, and its low relief scalloped background is a scarce and desirable added feature. The Mexican eagle carving ranks among the finest in style and quality of any the writer has seen on Colt percussion revolvers of any model." As Wilson noted, the revolver features classic late vine scroll engraving on the barrel, frame, hammer, trigger guard, and back strap that are comparable to the examples pictured in his book: "The Book of Colt Engraving." The "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame is hand engraved in the same fashion as many engraved Colt's from Master Engraver Gustave Young's shop, and the hammer has the classic wolf or dog head motif. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and the roll-stamped New York address. The cylinder has the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene. The left side of the trigger guard has "V" and "44 CAL." Matching serial numbers appear on the wedge, arbor, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The cylinder is numbered "4394," an apparent factory error. The main serial numbers also have an "E" marked nearby confirming the revolver was designated by the factory for engraving.

Very good. Wilson certainly got it right when he wrote that this revolver exudes "the romance of frontier use." This attractive Colt revolver would be an excellent addition to any Colt, Western, or antique American arms collection and retains strong original silver plating on the recoil shield, bottom of the frame at the front, and around the trigger guard bow along with traces of original gold on the loading lever, cylinder, and hammer. The balance displays light, smooth gray and brown patina you expect from a revolver that saw real use on the frontier. The grip is also fine and retains crisp carving on the right side and displays attractive natural tones and grain, age cracks on the butt, a chip on the left at the front, and moderate handling wear appropriate to revolver that was used in the West rather than sat in a display case. Mechanically fine. This is a beautiful frontier artifact that was likely proudly worn on its original owner's hip. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.