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Rock Island Auction Company previously sold serial number 2 (December 2010, Lot 1309), and also sold serial
number 7 prototype (December 2016, Lot 1129), which also shares many similarities including the flat sided
hinged loading lever, and differs in having a four-screw frame with stock cut-outs and a barrel mounted rear
sight. This serial number 3 revolver features the fluted cylinder, three-screw frame with no stock cut-outs, and
flat-sided hinged loading lever. The barrel of this revolver, like the other prototype M1860 Army revolvers, is
unmarked, with a German silver front sight blade. The revolver has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish on
the barrel, cylinder and back strap. The loading lever, frame and hammer are case-hardened with vivid case colors.
The trigger guard is brass and is not plated. The one-piece walnut grip has an oil finish. This revolver does not have the patent
markings stamped in the cylinder flutes or on the left side of the frame as seen on regular production Model 1860 Fluted Army
revolvers. The only markings on the revolver are the matching serial number “3” located on the loading lever and plunger, the
wedge, barrel lug, cylinder arbor pin, rear face of the cylinder, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The rear face of the cylinder
is factory drilled for but not fitted with hammer safety pins.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, exhibiting no signs of firing evidence, retains 90% plus vibrant original case colors, a proper
untouched lightly aged bright mustard yellow appearance on the brass, a significant amount of the original blue finish
concentrated in protected areas, with pleasing smooth gray/brown patina on the balance, much of the fiery blue on the trigger
and screws, and crisp serial numbers. Grip is excellent, with minor handling marks, and well-defined edges. Mechanically
functions, although slightly out of time. This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire this important prototype serial number
3 Colt Model 1860 Fluted Army revolver!
Provenance: The Colt Factory Museum Collection; The William M. Locke Collection; Private Collection.
Estimate: 45,000 - 65,000
As pictured & described in
The Wm. M. Locke Collection
by Sellers
According to "The Book of Colt Firearms"
by Wilson, this rare revolver falls into the
range of special pre-production prototype
Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers.
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