Offered here is one of only 1,126 Colt Model 1860 revolvers converted to the Richards system for the U.S. Ordnance Department. The trigger guard, cylinder and barrel are stamped with Ainsworth's "A" inspector marking. The cylinder also stamped with a Colt factory "P" inspector mark. "US" is stamped on the left side of the barrel just ahead of the wedge. As is common with these revolvers, several of the revolver's major components are marked with mixed original factory serial numbers. The frame lacks an original serial number and only has the assembly number "614" from the time of the conversion. "614" is stamped on a number of components. The barrel has the one-line New York address, the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT," and the cylinder has the Navy battle scene. The ejector rod head and hammer spur have the correct cross hatching without border. Traces of a script letter cartouche remain on the left side of the grip. Includes a copy of R. Bruce McDowell's "A Study of Colt Conversion and Other Percussion Revolvers" which pictures a U.S. Richards conversion Colt Model 1860 revolver featuring assembly number 613, one digit away from this revolver. Note that assembly numbers 613 and 614 both have the number "1" stamped upside down.

Very good. The barrel retains 30% plus original blue finish, otherwise the revolver has a smooth brown-gray patina with a few scattered areas of pitting. Much of the cylinder scene remains. The grip is good with a couple chips near the bottom, high edge wear and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. These U.S. Richards Conversion saw hard use in the Indian Wars. Examples like this are very scarce and highly desirable!