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LOT 220
Exceptional Indian Wars Era U.S. Contract Colt Model 1860 Army Richards Cartridge
Conversion Revolver - Serial no. 3571, 44 Colt CF
cal., 7 7/8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips.
Approximately 9,000 “conversions” were manufactured c. 1871-1878 using the
Richards system, patented July 25th, 1871. A small fraction of these Richards revolvers, approximately 1,200, were delivered to the U.S. Ordnance Department, and most were issued to
cavalry units on the frontier, most notably the famous 10th Cavalry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers), and nearly all saw hard use. Surviving examples of U.S. Richard’s conversion Model 1860 Army revolvers are rarely seen today and inevitably show heavy service wear. This example is in well
above average condition and started life as an 1863 production Colt 1860 Army percussion revolver that was subsequently converted, with “U.S.” marked on the left of the barrel and a boxed
script “OWA” (Orville W. Ainsworth) inspection cartouche stamped on the left of the grip. Designed by Charles Brinckerhoff Richards (1835- 1919), one of the co-designers of the famous Colt Single Action Army. Richards revolvers were an important stepping stone to the Single
Action Army and often saw intense use on the western frontier. They feature a breech plate with an integral notch rear sight and a floating firing pin instead of using a hammer mounted firing pin. An ejector rod housing is fitted to the right side of the barrel and the slot in the
barrel lug in place of the loading lever of the percussion 1860 Army revolvers. German silver blade front sight, “-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-” marked on top of the barrel, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left of the frame, matching conversion number “3571” on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, loading gate, ejector rod housing and cylinder, and the original serial number
“127416” visible on the barrel, trigger guard, and back strap.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 85% factory refurbished blue finish and the back strap retains
90% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The cylinder retains 30% of blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance and a clear scene. The barrel has been slightly shortened at the muzzle. The hammer, frame, and
conversion breech plate retain 40% original case colors. The brass trigger guard has an attractive appearance. The grip is also very fine with some dings mostly on the bottom and a legible cartouche. Mechanically excellent. One of the finest examples we
have had the pleasure of cataloging. You will look a long time to find a better example!
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Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000