Page 173 - 4093-BOOK3

While most of the Model 1860
Army revolvers manufactured during
the Civil War were purchased by the government
for the Union war effort, comparably few with the “four-screw
frame” (actually five screws) were purchased. The additional projecting
screws between the trigger and the hammer screw help secure the
shoulder stock, but later Model 1860s did away with the extra screws
and simply used the notches in the recoil shield and heel for mounting.
The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and “-ADDRESS COL.
SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-.” The left side of the frame has the
“COLTS/PATENT” marking. The cylinder has the standard Naval Battle
of Campeche roll-scene and “COLT’S PATENT” marking. Matching serial
numbers are marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back
strap. The grip is properly numbered with “2484” in black ink in the
back strap mortise. The wedge and arbor pin have been renumbered
to match, and the cylinder is serial number “13358”. Small “A” and/or
“T” sub-inspector marks are stamped on most components. Ordnance
inspector John Taylor’s “JT” cartouche is stamped on the left side of the
grip. The shoulder stock is designed to fit the “four-screw frame” and has
a screw adjustable steel hook and brass furniture. “22570” is marked on
and just behind the hook on the lower tang as well as on the heel of the
buttplate, and “11” is marked just behind the steel lanyard ring on the
lower tang.
CONDITION: Fine. The revolver retains 50% of the original blue finish on
the barrel and back strap, and the likely in-service replacement cylinder
is a faded bluish gray and retains nearly all of the roll-engraved naval
scene. The faded areas mainly exhibit smooth gray patina, and there
are limited spots of slight pitting. The frame, hammer, and loading lever
retain over 60% of the case colors and exhibit some silvering on the
recoil shields. The trigger guard has been reshaped and has an attractive
aged patina. The grip is very fine and retains a crisp cartouche, strong
original oiled finish, and minor wear mainly from contact with the stock
hardware and handling. The stock is fine and has natural aged patina
on the brass components and mild wear on the walnut such as some
dings and scrapes. Timing is
off on one chamber, otherwise
mechanically excellent. This
is a very attractive and highly
desirable example of a U.S.
inspected “four-screw” Colt
Model 1860 Army complete
with a correct shoulder stock.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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