This is a fine representative example of one of approximately 9,000 Richards conversion Model 1860 Army revolvers manufactured c. 1872-1878. These were manufactured alongside the early Colt Single Action Army revolvers. Because the early SAAs were mainly produced under government contracts, these cartridge "conversion" revolvers were actually among the first Colt cartridge revolvers available to civilians and are believed to have seen significant use on the western frontier. Though titled "conversions," they were primarily manufactured new as cartridge revolvers using a combination of older percussion revolver components and newly manufactured components. These distinctive Richards "conversions" designed by Charles Brinckerhoff Richards (1835-1919), who was also one of the co-designers of the SAA, feature a breech plate with integral notch rear sight and a floating firing pin rather than a hammer mounted firing pin. The loading lever was replaced with an ejector rod. This example has a period modified German silver blade front sight that has been filed and grooved, "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" on top of the barrel, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, "44 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, matching visible serial numbers aside from the "104" numbered cylinder, and assembly number "165" on the breech plate and loading gate.

Fine with 75% original blue on the barrel, patches of original blue in the recesses of the cylinder and top and bottom of the back strap, 70% plus muted original case colors, 20% original silver plating with dark aged patina, aged patina on the brass, and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. The grip is very good and has moderate handling wear, minor edge wear, and some scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.