This early Colt Model 1860 Army was manufactured in 1861 and has the highly desirable early full fluted cylinder. While over 200,000 Army Model revolvers were manufactured, only around 4,000 were manufactured with fluted cylinders, making this variation especially desirable. Some were even shipped to the South before and at the very beginning of the Civil War. Of the small amount of these fluted cylinder revolvers made, most of them were no doubt heavily used during the war, making the condition of this surviving example particularly fine considering. This example features the one-line Hartford barrel address, "COLTS/PATENT" frame marking, frame cut for a shoulder stock, a cylinder flute with the patent date marking, and matching serial numbers on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge, and cylinder arbor pin.

Fine, retaining bright patterns of original case colors in the protected areas, 30% of the bright original high polish blue finish in and around the protected areas with the heaviest amounts on the underside of the barrel, and 85% original silver plating. The grip is fine with much of the varnish, some high edge wear and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional, above average condition Colt Model 1860 Army revolver with scarce and desirable fluted cylinder.