The M1860 Army Revolver is considered by many to be the most beautiful revolver that Colt ever produced. It's graceful lines and near perfect balance make it as fun to behold as it is to shoot. It is the quintessential Civil War revolver as nearly 130,000 were purchased by the US Government during the war; making it the most widely used revolver of the conflict. It is safe to say that no Civil War weapons collection is complete without an M1860.
This particular revolver is a rare example of very early production M1860. The serial number data on this pistol shows that it was produced in 1862; during the early days of the Civil War. This revolver also features numerous U.S. subinspector stamps; indicating that this was one of the very first 1860 Armies to find its way into the hands of the Union Army. Furthermore, this revolver's serial number sits squarely in a block of 1860 Armies that were issued to the 4th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry in 1863, according to data provided by the Springfield Research Service. In fact, while this specific serial number (52,205) isn't listed in the records, the closest documented 4th Ohio Cavalry Army is only four numbers away from this gun, with a serial number of 52,200! Given these features, it is extremely likely that this pistol was used in combat during the Civil War. There are few Civil War guns that offer as much circumstantial combat-use evidence as this one; short of being I.D'd to a particular soldier. This pistol even has "holster wear" on its muzzle!
This steel components of this Colt are in excellent shape. The lock up is nice and tight with no wobble in the cylinder. The action is very smooth. The hammer has a positive half and full cock.
The barrel is in great condition. The Colt address stamp is intact and fully legible. There is no wobble between the frame and the barrel. The bore is in very good shape with good rifling and some minor "frost pitting" particularly in the grooves. The cylinder matches the barrel in condition and the cylinder scene partially obscured, but still legible. Each one of the chambers is crisp and clean with no pitting or erosion.
The grips, trigger guard, back strap, and loading lever are all original and all matching. A faint inspector's cartouche is visible on the right grip panel.
