Arguably the most iconic revolver of the American Civil War, and the most sought after by collectors, was Colts Model 1860 Army Revolver in .44 caliber. This revolver was design to replace the heavy weighted Model 1848 “dragoon” army revolver of the same caliper, as well as, make production of a Army issue handgun easier. Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, produced over 200,000 Model 1860 Army revolvers between 1860 and 1865 and would produce more after the war, finally halting production in 1873. This was also Colt’s first army revolver that was loaded using paper cartridges, which increased reloading speeds from their previous models. These paper cartridges were pre-soaked in potassium nitrate and then dried before loading a pre-measured load of powder, to make the paper more flammable. The original cost to produced these guns in the 1860’s was $20 per revolver but after much criticism, colt lowered the price and by 1865 they cost $14.50 to produce.
The example we have for sale is a beautiful original Martial Marked Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver .44 Cal. In untouched condition. It has all matching serial numbers of 80815 giving it a production date of 1862, cartouche stamps on each side of the grip. The left grip stamp is “G. D. S.” in script letters for Granville D. Shattuck, and the right grip has “J. T.” in slanted backwards script letters for John Taylor. Has the standard Factory engraving of the Victory of the Texas Navy at the battle of Campeche, and is still clearly visible. On most army issued models the engraving is worn out and hardly legible. Has a tight working action and functions flawlessly. From the letter sent by colt researchers, this revolver was one of 1,000 Model 1860’s that was purchased by the Government and sent to Major R. A. Wainwright, addressed to Governors Island, New York on December 23, 1862. This would be the cherry of any Civil War or firearm collection. Not all collections maybe equal, but a Colt will surely make one stand out!