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LOT 3279
Exceptional Civil War U.S. Contract
Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion
Revolver - Serial no. 77267, 44 cal., 8
inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut grips. This exceptional U.S.
contract Colt Model 1860 Army revolver
was manufactured in 1862, and is a
classic Civil War production example.
The Colt Model 1860 Army was the
primary revolver used by the Union during the American Civil War, with
many used thereafter out west. A reported 127,156 Model 1860 Army
revolvers were purchased by the U.S. government on Union contracts
before the Colt factory fire of 1864 with another 2,200 acquired on the
open market, and over 200,000 manufactured in total between c. 1860-
1873, per page 161 of “The Book of Colt Firearms” (1971 publication) by
Sutherland and Wilson. Considering the Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was in such high
demand as issued for the war effort, with many seeing hard use, it is extremely uncommon to come
across a surviving specimen that remains in an exceptional state of condition like this example offered. This
U.S. contract example has the three-screw frame, and the notch in the heel of the butt of the backstrap. One-line legend
“-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-” roll-stamped on top of the barrel, two-line “COLTS/PATENT” marking on the
left of the frame, and the cylinder is roll-engraved with the Naval Battle of Campeche scene. Single letter inspection stamps on various components
including an “H” on the bottom right surface of the grip, crisp bordered script inspection cartouches stamped on both sides of the grip including “JT” (John
Taylor) on the right, and full and partial matching visible serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, and cylinder.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish on the barrel, 50% plus original blue finish on the cylinder, 80% vivid original case colors,
70% original blue finish on the backstrap, attractive bright golden patina on the brass, a few areas of minor surface freckling and handling marks, retaining all
of the cylinder safety pins, and absolutely sharp cylinder scene, markings and edges in the metal overall. Grip is fine as re-oiled, with tight fitment, a few light
handling marks, legible cartouches, and distinct edges. Occasionally slips out of full cock, otherwise mechanically functions. This exceptional U.S. Colt Model
1860 Army revolver would make a fine addition to any Civil War or Colt collection!
Estimate: 9,500 - 15,000
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