Colt Model 1860 Army Pre-Production Prototype 1 of 55 MFG W/ Factory Letter!
Description:
This Colt is exceptional. Almost unheard of in the collecting field is to find a 2 digit Colt Model 1860 Army. This gun is a true Colt Historical Artifact, of what could have been. This is 1 of 55 of these Colt's ever manufactured with the 7 1/2" Barrels and Navy grips. Most commonly known in the first years of production are the Fluted Armies. This is a seldom encountered pistol. This is a true rarity in the Colt collecting field, and me, being a Colt collector is the first one I have encountered and owned. The pistol exhibits a near perfect cylinder scene rating 95% visible. All parts are numbered and matching, from the wedge to loading lever, to the grips. The grips have near 85% original varnish remaining. The pistol has traces of the original Case hardened frame, specifically on the left side of the frame. This pistol, Serial number 35 is in exceptional condition for its age, rarity, and what it truly is. The trigger guard retains approximately 50% silver finish remaining. In The Book of Colt Firearms, author R.L. Wilson states: "Several rare variations exist within the Army series, and these are: 1. Approximately 55 of the first 100 revolvers have round, rebated cylinders, three screw frames NOT cut for shoulder stocks, Hartford barrel addresses, silver plated brass back straps and trigger guards, 7 1/2" barrels and Navy size grips." He further notes that: "The first 100 revolvers do not have capping channels in the recoil shield cutouts." An identical revolver (serial number 5) is pictured on page 158 of "The Book of Colt Firearms". The barrel address has been neatly removed for some reason (I'm really not sure, but was done in a professional way, you can see part of a resemblance of it in areas still). The action on these particular Model 1860's for some reason never lasted and 90% don't work to this day, this one when the barrel is held at a slight downward angle (or barrel down at all) works just like it should, but when held level or barrel up, wont turn the cylinder. This is a common case for the ones found today. Most of the ones found today are rough and really nothing special other then being what it is. To find one in this kind of condition is seldom seen, and to find one earlier then this, there's only 34 out there, and to this day, how many truly still exist? I have obtained a Factory letter on this pistol, as you can see in the last picture it letters exactly. Shipped to Smith Crane & Co. in New York on July 9, 1861.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer:
Colt
Model:
1860
Serial Number:
35
Caliber Info:
.44