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LOT 3216
Excellent Documented Cased, Factory Engraved Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with Heavy Leaf Scroll Engraving - Serial no. 187265E, 44 cal., 8 inch bbl., nickel finish, varnished walnut grips. Factory cased and engraved Colt Model 1860 Army revolver manufactured in 1870. This revolver is pictured and described on page 156 of “The Book of Colt Engraving” by R.L. Wilson. The description states that this revolver was one of 70 shipped to Schuyler Hartley and Graham on April 10, 1877, ten years after the date it was manufactured. The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish with niter blue screws and trigger. The one piece grip is highly figured, fancy grade, walnut with a piano finish. The engraving consists of what R.L. Wilson describes as a “heavy leaf scroll” which consists of large floral patterns on a punchdot background. The cylinder has the usual roll-engraved Texas Navy battle scene and “COLT’S PATENT” markings engraved with a dot and dash border. The sides of the hammer are engraved with a wolf’s
head motif. A block “E” is stamped either above or below the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap which indicates that the component was designated by Colt for engraving. The hammer spur features the bordered knurling found on late production Model 1860 Army revolvers. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: “-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-” in a panel formed by scrollwork. “COLTS/PATENT” is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame in a panel with line and scrollwork borders. “44 CAL” is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The full serial number, “187265” is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap.
The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number, “265”. All of the visible serial numbers match.
The mahogany, American style, case has six compartments and is lined with purple velvet. The case contains: (1) 250 count tin of Eley percussion caps for Colt Belt and Pocket pistols with green paper label, (2) two small packages marked for 44-100 “Revolving Holster Pistol” combustible cartridges, (3) blued, bent leg, double cavity, bullet mold marked “COLT’S/PATENT” on the sprue cutter and “44H” on the right block and (4) fixed charger powder flask for Model 1860 Army revolvers embossed on one side of the body with “COLTS/PATENT” above crossed flags, a cannon and military trophies.
CONDITION: Excellent. The revolver retains more than 90% of the original nickel-plated
finish. The deeply cut scroll engraving is crisp. The nickel-plating has some flaking on the
edges of the loading lever slot, sides and back of the trigger guard, and inside of the grip
strap. There is some flash pitting on the face and sides of the hammer and the percussion
nipples. The right end of the cylinder wedge is slightly dented. The highly figured walnut
grip retains about 85% of the original piano finish with scattered, minor handling marks.
The action is tight and functions well. The exterior of the mahogany case is revarnished and
is in fine condition and shows minimal wear. The case-lining is in very fine condition. The
lining is clean, has faded slightly and is free from damage. Wear is limited to the expected
compression marks from contact with the revolver and accessories. The bullet mold is in
fine condition and retains about 85% of the dull blue finish. One of the cartridge packs is
open and empty, the other sealed but with loose-sounding contents, both showing mild
wear. The cap tin is in good condition. The very good powder flask has sharp embossing
and is free from dents and has a dark, un-polished patina; almost no trace remains of the
original gilt and brown lacquer finish. This is an excellent example of a scarce factory engraved
Colt Model 1860 Army revolver that is probably one of the last factory engraved Model 1860
revolvers manufactured by Colt.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING BY WILSON