The term "well-loved" has often been used in the gun collecting community for a weapon's extremely poor condition. This term is often used interchangeably with other phrases like "it shows its age" or "it was rode hard and put away wet". Phrases like these are so favored by unscrupulous gun dealers that the images they provoke are of relic-condition firearms that are better categorized as "parts-guns" than bonified collectibles. Bearing this in mind it is with some caution that we apply the term "well-loved" to this Martial Colt M1860 revolver. In this case, however, we're using the term literally; as this revolver bears evidence that it was so "well-loved" by its original owner, he decided to risk jail time to keep it.
At first glance, this revolver may seem like a slightly above average Martial Colt; with a nice, pleasing patina, no pitting, and positive action. But upon closer inspection, the "love" that the original owner had for this revolver becomes apparent. On the underside of the pistol there is unmistakable evidence of an attempt to remove the serial numbers from this revolver. This type of "field alteration" was often done by soldiers who liked their revolvers so well that they didn't want to surrender them back to Uncle Sam at the end of the war. So instead, they removed the serial numbers in an attempt to make the gun untraceable. The serial number on this revolver have all been partially removed except for the numbers on the back strap. It's possible that the trooper who stole this pistol simply forgot to remove the numbers from the back strap, or it may be a later replacement. However, this appears to be unlikely; as the back strap is original and is complete with a military subinspector stamp like the rest of the pistol's components.
This revolver is in great shape overall. The main spring is nice and crisp and the hammer locks positively on both full and half cock. The cylinder is in great shape with roughly 80% of the original naval scene remaining and nice clean chambers. The action is nice and smooth and the cylinder locks up nice and tight in full cock with minimal wobble.
The grips are original and in excellent condition with no cracks or chips missing. The grips are worn from use but the original varnish can still be seen in protected areas. There is even a cartouche visible on the left grip although it is extremely faint.
All the components of this revolver are original except for the plunger and wedge; which are high quality American-made replacements by CH Weisz.
The barrel is in great shape and is solid on the arbor with no wobble or wear. The Colt Address in crisp and legible and the bore is good with strong rifling and some minor pitting in the grooves.
This revolver would be an excellent addition to any Colt or Civil War buff's collection. Its excellent condition would make it a great shooter while its obscured serial numbers make it an even better conversation starter!
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