Total production of Model 1860 Army Richards conversion revolvers is estimated at approximately 9,000 in 1871-1878, and only a small number of the early production revolvers utilized 12-slot cylinders because the stops over the chambers proved to leave the walls too thin as can be seen on this example. The revolver has matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder and "272" on the recoil shield and loading gate. The revolver has a German silver blade front sight, the New York barrel address, an ejector fitted to the right side of the barrel, a notch rear sight on the recoil shield, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, and "44 CAL" on the rear of the trigger guard on the left.

Good with traces of original finish and mostly a dark brown patina and moderate wear suggesting real period use. The cylinder has been worn through on each of the stops over the chambers. The frame has a series of strike marks on the left side. There is some mild pitting and oxidation. The wedge and wedge screw are replacements. The grip is fair and has heavy lower edge wear, chips at the heel and toe, heavy hammering marks on the butt, and moderate handling wear. The revolver is functional, but the action is out of time, and the mainspring is weak.