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According to "A Study of Colt Conversions and
Other Percussion Revolvers" by McDowell, only
130 new Colt 1860 Army frames were made into
U.S. Richards conversions. Further, approximately
50 "Model Guns" were produced for trials.
LOT 3061
Rare Ainsworth
Inspected U.S. First
Model Richards
Conversion “Model Gun” Colt Model 1860 Army
Revolver - Serial no. 1165, 44 Colt CF cal., 8 inch round
bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. The historic Richards revolvers
set the stage for the Colt Model 1871//72 Open Top and the
ever famous Colt Single Action Army revolver. This ultra rare, Ainsworth inspected, nickel-
plated Colt First Model Richards “Model Gun” was manufactured from new components c.
1871 and is chambered for .44 Colt centerfire. This revolver pattern was designed by Charles B.
Richard, assistant factory superintendent of the Colt factory. The design efficiently transforms the
iconic Colt Model 1860 Army of the Civil War into a then state of the art single action centerfire
revolver by replacing the loading lever with an ejector, fitting a breech loading cylinder,
installing a recoil shield/conversion plate with an integral notch rear sight and hinged loading
gate as well as a bushed firing pin, and using a modified hammer. Only 1,126 Colt Model 1860
revolvers converted to the Richards system for the U.S. Ordnance Department. Per R. Bruce
McDowell on page 152-153 of “A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers”,
there were only 130 new frames made into US Richard’s. These revolvers can be picked out
as they had not been cut for a shoulder stock and have only one serial number. It has been
further estimated that only 50 “Model Gun” were originally made for trials. These revolvers
thus represent only a small percentage of the approximately 9,000 “conversions” that were
manufactured c. 1871-1878 using the Richards system. Most of the U.S. contract revolvers
were reportedly issued to U.S. cavalry units on the frontier, most notably the famous 10th
Cavalry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers). Nearly all of the examples known today show signs of
considerable frontier use, but this example remains in considerably higher condition.
This revolver has U.S. Ordnance Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth’s “A” inspection mark on the
left side of the barrel at the breech, on the side of the cylinder, and just ahead of the trigger
guard. The factory “P” inspection mark is double struck next to Ainsworth’s mark on the cylinder,
and there is a “T” inspection stamped at the front of the cylinder. In addition, an “M” is stamped above the serial
number on the barrel and below the serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The matching
serial number “1165” visible on the cylinder, recoil shield, loading gate, ejector, barrel lug and barrel lug flat,
trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver also features a German silver blade front sight, notch rear sight on the
recoil shield, ejector with knurled “C” shaped button and rounded rod tips, the one-line “-ADDRESS COL. SAML
COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-” barrel address, the classic naval battle scene and “COLTS PATENT No” marking on
the cylinder, “COLTS/
PATENT” on the left
side of the frame, “44
CAL” on the left side of the trigger
guard, and bordered and underlined knurling.
According to McDowell on page 150 of “A Study of
Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers”, “it is
strongly believed, though not substantiated that the letter
‘M’ designates ‘Model Gun’”. On page 148 he wrote, “Model guns
were produced and shipped to the Ordnance Department for their approval. Such guns
are indicated in Ordnance letters from Dyer (Brevet Major General A.B. Dyer. Chief of
Ordnance). Specifically, there are only two of these model guns known to the author,
serial numbers 1216 and 1201 with all numbers matching. Number 1216 is in the
collection at the Smithsonian Institution, complete with all documentation and 1201 is
in a private collection. All major parts of both guns are stamped with single four digit
numbers, meaning that the serial numbers and assembly numbers are the same...
Notice that the gate is numbered externally and has an internal spring. Uncommon to the
U.S. Richards, the ejector rod tip is rounded... The hammer spur has a bordered and underlined knurl, possibly
one of the revolvers replacement hammers reported in the October 7 Day Journal entry.” On page 154 he wrote,
“Because of the extreme rarity of the U.S. Richards with matching serial numbers (on two known to the author),
it is believed that these particular guns were those carried by officers, and sent back to Colt by those officers
for conversion by the Richards system”. This revolver matches McDowell’s description as well as those discussed
by Charles Pate in “The ‘M’ Marked Colt Richards Conversion” in “The Gun Report” Vol. 52 No. 9 from February
2007 which also references serial number 1148. This revolver is in remarkable condition compared to the other
examples and the wider U.S. contract Richards revolvers.
CONDITION: Fine with 50% original nickel plating remaining and concentrated primarily on the barrel, cylinder,
and trigger guard; smooth gray patina on most of the balance along with smaller dark patches, small patches
of oxidation/pitting, and fairly mild overall wear. The grip is also fine and has moderate lower edge wear,
hammering marks on the butt, and some scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
LOT 3062
Rare 50-Count Union Metallic Cartridge Co. Picture Box of .44 Colt Centerfire Cartridges for the Colt “New Army” Conversion Revolver - Offered
here is a rare full 50-count picture box of Union Metallic Cartridge Co. .44 Colt centerfire cartridges for the Colt Army conversion revolvers manufactured in
the 1870s. These revolvers, utilizing a mix of leftover 1860 Army and new made parts, were manufactured at Colt alongside the Single Action Army and saw
significant use out west. The box features an orange label with an illustration of Colt’s conversion revolver, the UMC logo, “.44 Calibre./FIFTY CENTRAL FIRE
AMMUNITION FOR COLT’S NEW ARMY REVOLVER” above the UMC manufacturer name, Bridgeport, Connecticut address, and “WITH NO. 2 WESSON PRIMER./
Under A.C. Hobbs’ Patent Oct. 31st, 1876./THESE SHELLS CAN BE RELOADED MANY TIMES”. The box contains 50 non-headstamped period cartridges.
CONDITION: Fine, the box shows some light aging and mild edge wear with the label retaining strong color as well as distinct text and imagery, and opened
seals. Cartridges are also very fine. This rare full 50-count picture box of .44 Colt centerfire cartridges is a must have to accompany a Colt conversion revolver!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
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