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LOT 3221
Rare Early Production Two Digit Serialized Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver Serial Number 54 - Serial no. 54, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This extremely early Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver was manufactured in 1860, the first year of production. Features of this revolver correctly follow the observations of the first 100 Model 1860s known as First Models established by author Charles Pate in “Colt Model 1860 Army” (pages 327-328). The most notable features include the three screw frame not cut for a shoulder stock, Navy grip frame, and early round cylinder lacking a patent date marking. Given their use in the war, they are very hard to find in high condition. These First Models were available just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. Many early production Model 1860s would go on to see service with both Union and Confederacy armies. This two-digit serialized example is in well above average condition for an extremely early production Model 1860. Without a doubt it has seen use, and there is certainly the possibility that this revolver saw action during the Civil War. The barrel has a nickel-silver blade
front sight, the one-line “-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-” barrel
address, “2” on the left side of the lug, and the matching serial number “54”
on the bottom. The wedge and loading lever are also numbered to the gun.
The cylinder has the matching serial number “54”, has the standard naval
scene and as stated, correctly lacks a patent date marking. The arbor pin,
trigger guard and backstrap are also numbered to the gun. The brass grip
straps are silver plated. The varnished walnut grip has matching number
“54” in the rear mortise.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel retains 30% original blue finish and the
cylinder retains traces of original blue in the protected areas with a
smooth brown patina on the balance and a few tool-like marks on the
barrel near the mid-point and on the side of the cylinder. Nearly all of
the cylinder scene remains. 30% original case colors remain on the
frame. 50% of the original silver plating remains on the grip straps. The
grip is also fine with a surface chip near the bottom (right side), some
high edge wear and minor handling marks. The grip retains most of
the original varnish. The cylinder does not lock; otherwise, the action
functions properly. Do not miss your chance to acquire a two digit
serial number of Colt’s legendary Civil War revolver, the
Model 1860 no. 54!
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
Features of this revolver correctly follow the observations of the first 100 Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers established by author Charles Pate. The most notable include: the three- screw frame not cut for a shoulder stock, the Colt Navy sized grip frame, and the early round cylinder lacking a patent date marking.