This is a very desirable early production Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with two-digit serial number (96), fluted cylinder, and Navy size grip. The accompanying Colt factory letter confirms the 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44 caliber, blue and plated finish, short wood stock, and fluted cylinder. The letter states the revolver was shipped in July 1861, from the Colt Hartford factory to Colt's New York Office. This shipment was for 10 guns. The short wood stock referenced in the factory letter is the rare Navy size grip. The grip size on the first 100 Model 1860s was the same as the Model 1851 Navy. The remainder of production used the so-called Model 1860 Army pattern. On page 163 of "The Book of Colt Firearms," R.L. Wilson states "the number of fluted cylinder Armies with the Navy size grip is limited to approximately ten which were made under Serial #100." Additional information about the authenticity of this revolver comes in a letter written by noted Model 1860 researcher and author Charles Pate, who our consignor wrote to in 2008-2009 (these letters are included). Pate stated that he knew of one other pistol from the July 1861 shipment and these two revolvers were in the same configuration. Pate also explained the unusual numbering found on the cylinder. The rear face of the cylinder has the serial number "96" as well as the number "40" stamped in two locations between a chamber. Pate explained, "The Colt records also note that it has a 'cavalry cylinder,' meaning the chambers of the cylinder had been bored tapered at the bottoms to leave more metal under the stop notches. I suspect that Colt had originally fitted a round cylinder to the pistol and then re-used a fluted cylinder of the new design from pistol #4040 with it. That would account for the cylinder having both #4040 and #96 on the back. Fluted pistol with low numbers had their cylinders numbered on the side of the cylinder in one of the flutes while later pistols had them on the back. It is probably also significant that I could not find shipping information on #4040 in the Colt records. Regardless, this is an interesting and rare pistol. Very few of the 7 1/2 inch barrel pistols with Navy grips left the factory with fluted cylinders." Included letters from Neal Humble, John Peterson, and Robert Wells also note and authenticate the rarity of this Model 1860. Wells stated, "It is one of three known surviving revolvers in this configuration, personally known to the writer." The revolver has a blued barrel and fluted cylinder, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and silver-plated brass trigger guard and back strap. R.L. Wilson noted that brass back straps on Model 1860 Army revolvers are found on the earlier production revolvers with 7 1/2 inch barrel and fluted cylinders. The one-piece walnut grip has a high gloss varnish finish. The revolver has a three-screw frame and the recoil shield cut-out does not have a capping groove. The barrel has a period replacement brass front sight and is marked on the top "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-". The left side of the frame has the two-line marking "COLTS/PATENT". "PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850" stamped in one cylinder flute. A small "G" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard at the junction of the frame and grip and "B" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The serial number "96" is stamped on the cylinder arbor pin, barrel wedge, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and the rear face of the cylinder.

Very good, retaining half of the period refinished blue finish on the barrel and cylinder. The surfaces of the barrel and cylinder show minimal scratches and handling marks. The barrel address and cylinder patent markings are sharp. There is moderate flash pitting on the percussion nipples and front and rear face of the cylinder. The loading lever, frame and hammer have a dove-gray casehardened finish with muted case colors. There is deep flash pitting on the sides of the hammer and in the hammer well. The brass trigger guard and back strap have a very attractive aged patina with traces of the silver plated finish remaining in protected areas. The grip is excellent with very light handling wear. Most of the nicks and scratches are confined to the butt. The grip retains nearly 95% of the high gloss varnish finish with minor edge wear on the grip heels. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. A desirable example of a rare and fully documented fluted cylinder Colt Model 1860 Army revolver with navy-size grip and two-digit serial number. This is the most unique and documented Colt model 1860s that one could ever hope to find. Don't miss out!