This rare revolver was manufactured in 1860, the first year of production, and is one of only about 4,000 Colt Model 1860 Army Revolvers manufactured with the full fluted cylinder and the "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" barrel marking. The included factory letter indicates this revolver was part of a shipment of 50 guns of this type sent to Colt's New York office at 240 Broadway on April 1, 1861 and confirms the configuration. On April 1, 1861, President Lincoln was engaged in making decisions about how to hold onto federal forts and properties, including Fort Sumter, and the war began when South Carolina forces under Brig. Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard began shelling the fort in the pre-dawn hours of April 12, 1861, an act the Confederate President Jefferson Davis had been warned would bring ruin to the Confederacy. Where this revolver went from Colt's New York office is not clear. It may have been one of the last shipments forwarded by Colt to southern dealers before the outbreak of the war. Samuel Colt was criticized for selling arms to the southern states as war loomed on the horizon and called a traitor in the press due to these sales along with his pro-slavery and anti-Republican stances, but his reputation was secured since the Model 1860 Army was the main service revolver in the Union during the war. Matching partial or full serial numbers are found on the wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and rear mortise of the grip.

Fine with 75% original silver plating on the grip straps with casual flaking, 30% original case colors on the frame, 40% original blue finish, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, sharp markings, and mild overall wear. The safety pins remain solid. The grip is very fine and has most of the original high polish "piano" varnish remaining, minor edge wear, and some slight handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is both a fine and rare example of a fluted cylinder Colt Model 1860 Army. This distinctive Colt variation belongs in every antique Colt firearms collection. This revolver both has some "been there" look and a considerable amount of original finish. A tough balance to strike.