The Colt Model 1860 Army was the primary handgun of the Union Army during the Civil War, and many continued to be used in the post-war American West. Thus, most examples show signs of hard use making high condition examples difficult to find. This revolver was manufactured in 1865 for the commercial market and featured higher quality finish. After the fire at the Colt factory in February 1864, production of Model 1860 Army revolvers did not resume until the summer of 1865. Reportedly 2,000 are believed to have been produced that year per Pate in "The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver." The frame and back strap are cut for a shoulder stock which Pate states is "uncommon after 1865." It has a brass blade front sight, the one-line New York barrel address, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, "J" and "44 CAL" on the left side of the silver plated trigger guard, blued iron back strap, and matching serial numbers. The revolver comes in a fitted case with a cap tin, Colt patent powder flask with sloped charger, Colt patent dual cavity ball/bullet mold, several lead balls, an L-shaped combination tool, and a key.

Exceptionally fine. 60% plus of the original blue finish remains with fading to smooth brown patina. 85% plus of the original vibrant case colors remain. The trigger guard retains 25% of the original age darkened silver and has attractive aged patina on the exposed brass. The markings remain crisp, including the cylinder scene. The grip is excellent and retains nearly all of the original high gloss "piano" varnish and has some minor lower edge wear and a few small handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine and has mild storage wear and an absent keyhole escutcheon. The accessories are very fine.