Description:
General Specs: Colt, Year 1861, .44, 43.2oz
Serial Number: 11701
The 1860 Colt Army Revolver is arguably one of the most iconic handguns of the U.S. Civil War. The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was manufactured from 1860 through 1873 and total production consisted of more than 200,000. The .44 caliber revolver was a primary handgun used by Union troops (and others) during the Civil War, it was valued for its reliability and six shot capacity.
When war broke out in April of 1861, Colt immediately turned his attention to the needs of the Union forces and in November, began a campaign to sell his revolvers to the Union Army. It is recorded that Colt presented sixty of his revolvers, including copies of his New Model Holster pistol, New Model Navy pistol and the New Model Police pistols to various high-ranking Army officers and members of President Lincoln's cabinet. Many guns where inscribed with the recipient's name, but in cases where an inscription would possibly lead to allegations of bribery, the guns were not inscribed. This is one of those guns, and while it was presented to an important name the original owner is still unknown. All of the Colt Model 1960 Army revolvers (about 40 in total) fall within the serial range of 11672 to 11719 and they were presented around the first few days of November 1861. As presented these guns where finished with blue on the barrels, backstrap and cylinders, silver plating on the front strap and trigger guard, and case colors on the loading levers, frames, and hammers. Each was fitted with a varnished walnut grip, the frames and back straps where cut for use with shoulder stocks. Samuel Colt died on January 10, 1862, but his factory produced hundreds of thousands of arms for the Union war effort. The presentations made in 1861 were thus the last of his personal presentation pieces and are particularly significant in the history of Colt firearms.
This pistol is overall in very fine condition, the barrel retains 80-85% extra glossy bright blue with wear on each side of muzzle and slight thinning over the top by the address, the creeping rammer handle retains most of its factory case colors, frame and hammer also exhibit brilliant case colors. The cylinder retains about 55-60% original blue with the remaining areas gone to a gray patina, there is points of fine pitting and an area of deeper pitting around the “COLTS PATENT” panel which shows the Ormsby Naval battle scene. Trigger guard and front strap retain about 85% strong original silver, the backstrap and buttstrap show about 30% glossy blue with the backstrap mostly a gray patina with some fine pinprick pitting mostly at the heel. While the varnished grip has a couple of small chips on the edges and a few light dings and scratches and an indentation near the frame on the left hand side, it retains almost all of its original glossy finish. Mechanics are crisp, the cylinder well timed, the barrel has a brilliant shiny bore with sharp rifling.
In March 2013 James Julia/Murphy house offered this historical revolver for sale (a copy of this auction is in one of the images). The gun came with a presentation case and sold for $40,250. Since then the presentation box and this revolver have become separated. Vintage Firearms is pleased to offer this Presentation Colt 1860 at a price that reflects that fact, however this Colt Model 1860 is still one of a limited number produced and presented personally by Mr. Colt to members of President Lincoln's cabinet at at time of national emergency and as such is of great historical value. Here is one of the very rare chances to own a legitimate Samuel Colt presented Model 1860, a centerpiece for any Colt collection, enjoy.
Barrel Length: 8"****
Bores: Excellent****
% Blue: 95%****
Sights: Front blade, rear hammer V notch****
Action: Single action percussion revolver****
Receiver Condition: 95% Case color****
Screws: Very good****
Trigger Type: Single-crisp****
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
COLT MFG CO INC
Model:
11701
Caliber:
.44 (other/Cap & Ball)
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted: Yes.
Shipping Notes: Payment Methods Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer Advertised price reflects 3% cash discount. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3% higher.Inspection Period / Return Policy Three Days from the date the item was received.Sales Tax Collected in AR, IL, KS, MI, PA, TNShipping & Insurance Ground 385.00 within the continental U.S. Additional fees for HI & AK. We ship internationally with additional feesItem Condition UsedRequires FFL No
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