Only approximately 9,000 Richards conversion Model 1860 Army revolvers were manufactured circa 1871-1878 based on designs patented by Charles Brinckerhoff Richards (1835-1919) on July 25th, 1871. Very few of them remain in high condition, and they are believed to have seen significant use in the Old West. Only a small number of the early production revolvers utilized 12-stop cylinders as the stops left the chamber walls too thin and often wore through. Richards was also one of the main designers of the Colt Single Action Army which was manufactured alongside the Richards conversions. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. The percussion era style "COLTS/PATENT" marking is on the left side of the frame while some examples have the 1871 and 1872 patent marking. The cylinder has the classic naval battle roll scene. The barrel has a blade front sight, and a notch rear sight is on the breech plate. Matching serial numbers are visible on the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. "E" is stamped by the serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number "1340" is on the loading gate and recoil shield. The barrel, cylinder, and back strap are finished in blue, the frame, recoil shield, loading gate, and hammer are brilliantly casehardened, and the trigger guard is silver plated. The grip is varnished walnut. The revolver comes in a fitted hardwood case with purple velvet lining. The case contains a 12-stop cylinder numbered "2414" and also marked with "297" ("2" inverted). The case also contains an oiler, L-shaped screwdriver, twelve loose rounds of ammunition, and an extremely rare 50-round picture box with yellow lid label illustrating a Richards conversion listing "44/Calibre" and "50 CENTRAL FIRE METALLIC CARTRIDGE/FOR/COLT'S NEW BREECH-LOADING/ARMY REVOLVER/MANUFACTURED BY/THE UNITED STATES CARTRIDGE CO./LOWELL, MASS./THESE SHELLS CAN BE RELOADED MANY TIMES." The ends have "COLT'S ARMY PISTOL" on the bottom and "CALIBRE:" on top with "44" added in pencil and red ink marker on the right end. The bottom is marked "DAVE/SPEAK" in pencil. The front label has "Solid Head Re-Loading Cartridges/FOR/COLT'S ARMY PISTOL./Patented December 17, 1872." The cartridges within have "US/41 COLT" marked on the heads, and most have "US" marked on the primers. Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection

Very fine with 85% original blue finish, 95% plus original fiery case colors, and 80% of the attractively age darkened original silver plating. There are some general light marks and scratches scattered throughout, a few firing pin strike marks on the rear of the cylinder, and generally minor handling and storage wear. The 12-stop cylinder is very good with 95% plus of the period refinished blue remaining and a light cylinder scene. The highly figured walnut grip is very fine and has some light scratches and dings, minor lower edge wear, and most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good and has moderate age and storage related wear including fading and staining of the lining, some tears, and modification to the box. The cartridge box and ammunition are fine with mild age and storage related wear. The top label remains distinct. This is a very stunning set. You rarely fine a Richards conversion in this high of condition, and the cartridge box is also difficult to find. Finding them together as part of a cased set is nearly unheard of.