Offered here is a highly attractive Colt Thuer conversion Model 1860 Army revolver with presentation case. This model was manufactured in 1869-72, with total production around 5,000. The Thuer conversion were the first Colt revolvers to utilize a metallic cartridge and are scarce and historically significant firearms. On this example London proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel ahead of the wedge and on the cylinder between the chambers. The trigger guard is iron instead of the standard brass. Iron trigger guards are seen on those built for the British market and are generally encountered on guns featuring the Colt London barrel address. However, this Model 1860 has the one-line New York barrel address. The letter "L", which designated revolvers destined for the London market, are stamped below or above the main matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Matching partial serial number "4425" appears on the arbor pin. The wedge is a replacement ("4561"). The cylinder and Thuer conversion ring have the matching assembly number "42." The cylinder lacks a serial number. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, and back strap, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT NO". "44 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. The Thuer conversion ring has a script "E" that denotes the eject position. The right side of the barrel lug is machined to permit front loading of the cartridge and the loading lever rammer is threaded on the internal face, both Thuer features. The cylinder has been modified to accommodate the conversion ring. The conversion ring has the distinctive knurled turning knob, rebounding firing pin, and ejection mechanism. The partitioned case contains a Model 1860 percussion cylinder with the number 4556 and London proofs, a 44 caliber blued iron two cavity bullet mold featuring a "COLT'S/PATENT" marked sprue cutter, lead balls, a spare hammer spring, a metal cleaning rod, an "L" shaped combination tool, two Eley Brothers cap tins, a tin of Colt Navy size 36 caliber cartridges (26/50) featuring a Colt London label, a four piece set of Thuer 44 caliber reloading tools, a loaded 44 Thuer cartridge with damaged bullet, and a 44 Thuer cartridge casing. The case features a Colt London paper label on the interior of the lid and brass inscription plaque on the exterior of the lid inscribed with the name "J.R.Morewood, Esq." Although J.R. Morewood remains unidentified, one possibility is John Rowland Morewood (1821-1903), who, along with his wife Sarah, was a neighbor and close friend of renowned American novelist Herman Melville. Morewood was one of two witnesses present in 1851 when Melville signed the contract with the London publisher Bentley for his best known work "Moby-Dick; or, The Whale." The book was first published in London in three volumes under the title "The Whale" in October, and in November the single volume edition was published in New York under its definitive title "Moby-Dick; or, The Whale." Literary scholars have suggested Melville modeled the character Isabel in "Pierre; or, The Ambiguities" after Morewood's wife Sarah, and others have argued that Melville and Sarah were lovers. Melville frequented Morewood's extensive private library, and Morewood's eldest son married Melville's niece. Provenance: The Dr. John & Margaret Pickup Collection; The Norm Vegely Collection

Very fine. The barrel retains 80% bright original high polish blue finish. 40% original blue finish remains in the rebated area of the cylinder. Nearly all of the cylinder scene remains. 60% original polish blue finish remains on the trigger guard. 80% original polish blue finish remains on the back strap. The loading lever and frame retain traces of original case colors in the protected areas. 30% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grip is also very with minor dings and scratches and most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically needs work as cylinder does not always rotate with action is cycled. The case is very good with refinished exterior and moderately worn lining. The percussion cylinder retains traces of original blue finish and half of the scene. The other accessories are very fine.