This elaborately embellished Colt Model 1860 Army was manufactured in 1867 and features a raised relief rendition of the Mexican coat of arms on the left side of the checkered grip. The coat of arms is depicted within an escutcheon with a raised border and features the classic golden eagle, snake, and cactus design that remains part of the coat of arms to this day. Mexico was a key firearms market following the American Civil War and the resumption of export arms sales. The end of the Civil War also coincided with the push to end of the Second French Intervention in Mexico which the U.S. opposed, and thousands of former Union soldiers took their military experience to Mexico after the Confederate surrender to help liberate the country from the French. There were of course also many Mexican-Americans living in the U.S. who may have admired these carved grips. It is a bit ironic that so many revolvers featuring the victory of the Texans over the Mexicans at the Naval Battle of Campeche engraved on their cylinders were likely used in Mexico. The engraving consists mainly of classic acanthus scroll patterns along with some shell and checkered patterns, a wolf/dog head motif on the hammer, floral blooms, some line patterns, and a distinctive winged arrow motif pointing from the front of the New York barrel address to the front sight blade perhaps suggesting supernatural aid for the accuracy of the revolver. The cylinder also has dot and line borders in addition to the standard cylinder scene. The matching partial or full serial number is marked on the barrel, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The frame has the standard "COLTS/PATENT" marking, and the left side of the trigger guard has "44 CAL" hidden in the engraving. Additional markings include: "5" on the bottom of the barrel lug, "R" on the face of the cylinder, and "1" in the hammer well.

Very good and well above average condition for a revolver most likely used in the American West and/or Mexico. Rebored smooth, most likely during the period of use. There are traces of silver plating in some of the protected areas including around the trigger guard bow. The balance of the steel has mostly gray patina along with some minor pitting/oxidation. The brass and silver remnants display well-aged patinas. The engraving remains crisp, and most of the cylinder scene remains visible. The grip is very good aside from a chip on the right side at the toe and has distinct checkering display mild handling wear, attractive natural aged patina, some mild age cracks, and crisp carving. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive revolver that certainly looks like it was used in the fight to liberate Mexico and/or the internal fights that followed. It will make an interesting and attractive addition to any antique arms collection. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.