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LOT 286
Civil War U.S. Contract Colt Model 1860 Army
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 47774, 44 percussion cal., 8
inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was
manufactured in 1862. The revolver has the three-screw frame with cut-outs for an attachable stock in the
recoil shields and a notch for a stock yoke in the bottom of the back strap. The barrel has a nickel silver front sight blade. The top of
the barrel has the one-line New York address. “COLT’S/PATENT” is stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder has the Texas Navy battle
scene, “ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843” and “COLT’S PATENT No./PATENT SEPT 10th 1850.” Single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on
most components. “B” is stamped on the left side of the barrel lug. “S” is stamped on the cylinder, trigger guard, back strap, left grip heel and right
side of the barrel lug. Script Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection cartouches are stamped on the sides of the grip heels. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the
barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number “7774”. The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was the primary handgun issued to the federal cavalry during
the Civil War. Model 1860 Army revolvers remained in service with the cavalry until they were replaced by the Colt Model 1873 Single Action revolver around 1874.
CONDITION: Very fine with 50% original blue finish on the barrel. The metal surfaces are smooth with the exception of the usual small dents surrounding the cylinder wedge. The cylinder has a blue-gray patina
with traces of original finish in protected areas, and 80% of the naval battle scene remains. There is light flash pitting on the rear face of the cylinder and the percussion nipples. The back strap has 60% original
blue finish. The loading lever, frame and hammer retain 50% original case colors. The trigger guard has an attractive aged patina. The otherwise very fine grip has two very small slivers of wood missing on the
forward edge at the junction of the trigger guard and back strap. The cartouches are faint but
visible. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 287
Colt Model 1860 Army Richards Conversion Revolver - Serial no. 2231, 44 Colt CF cal., 8
inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Approximately 9,000 Model 1860 Army revolvers were converted to the Richards system
by Colt c. 1871-1878, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 5B-117). This example is part of a separate approximate serial range 1-8700 made with some
new parts and some surplus components, with others found within the standard Model 1860 Army approximate serial range 167000-200600. 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 many 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 a filler slot in place of the loading lever. German silver blade front sight, one-line New York address marked on top
of the barrel, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left of the frame, Texas Battle of Campeche Navy scene on the cylinder, matching visible full serial number on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and
butt, with matching “231” on the cylinder, and assembly number “1021” on the conversion plate and loading gate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% bright original high polish blue finish with smooth gray patina and scattered freckling on the balance, 70% vibrant original case colors, 20% original silver plating
concentrated around the trigger guard, attractive bright golden patina on the exposed brass, with crisp markings and cylinder scene. Grip is also fine, with most of the original varnish, tight
fitment, scattered light dents and scratches, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 285
Colt Model 1871-1872
Open Top Single Action
Revolver with Mexican
Themed Relief Carved Ivory
Grip, Slim Jim Holster, and Factory Letter - Serial no. 2959, 44 RF cal.,
7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, carved antique ivory grips. The included factory letter
states the revolver was shipped to H & D Folsom Arms Company New York, New York January
29, 1874. The letter confirms the caliber and barrel length, and lists the finish as “blue” and grips “wood”. Only an estimated 7,000 Colt
“Open Top” revolvers were manufactured in 1872-73. They are the descendants of the Colt percussion revolvers and the direct predecessors
of the famous Colt Single Action Army revolvers. Surviving examples are comparably rare, and those with special features such as the
checkered grip carved with an eagle, snake, and cactus design based on the Mexican coat of arms on the left side on this revolver even more
so. This revolver has the standard markings and features. The loading gate is marked “1563.” A brown leather “Slim Jim” style holster is included.
Given the theme of the grip, it is very likely this revolver was destined for the Mexican market which was targeted by Colt and other American arms
manufacturers after the Civil War when arms sales in the United States were much more limited than during the Civil War boom years. It is also possible this
revolver was purchased by an American veteran of the Mexican-American War.
CONDITION: Fine with 40% period retailer applied nickel plating, mostly smooth gray patina on the balance, distinct cylinder scene and markings, minor dings and scratches,
and some pitting concentrated on the barrel. The grip is very good and has distinct but moderately worn checkering and carving overall, some small flakes at the edges, minor
age cracks, and attractive natural tones and grain. Mechanically fine. The holster is fine and has minor wear at the edges. The Open Top is one of Colt’s rarest antique models and
represents an important turning point in Colt’s history from the classic percussion revolvers that established Colt as a leading arms innovator and manufacturer to the ever popular .45 Colt Single Action Army that has kept Colt a
household name for generations.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000