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COLT PERCUSSION MODEL 1860 ARMY CIVIL WAR (STATE OF IOWA), AND INDIAN WAR ERA “BUFFALO SOLDIER” 9TH & 10TH CAVALRY
Guns International #: 100808940 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion - Civil War Revolvers
Seller's Information
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Seller: victorio1sw
Member Since: 8/4/13
State: Texas
Country: United States
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders.
Description:
**********SOLD**********
Description:
A number of M1860 army revolvers remaining in government inventory after the Civil War were repaired and refinished. The polishing during refinishing usually left the original one-line barrel address very weak or completely gone. These also usually have mixed serial numbers, and a few have an added "US" on the trigger guard under the s/n. Those M1860's with the "US" on trigger guards are believed to have been issued to the 9th & 10th Cavalry (“black troops”) at various western forts. These were used during the Indian Wars from about 1866 until about 1875 when replaced by the Colt SAA. Because initial Colt Single Action production was 90% dedicated to government contracts, many western lawmen, cowboys, and settlers continued using percussion revolvers until the late 1870's. Black powder and caps were readily available, and bullets could be cast anywhere as needed.
Notice the old picture of 9th Cavalry black trooper with Holstered 1860 Army (courtesy Denver Public Library). He is at some western post during a cold winter.
The serial numbers of the major parts on this revolver are listed below, with some comments:
Barrel: 70710
Frame: 71188
Trigger Guard: 28450
Backstrap: 26394
Cylinder: No number (was possibly replaced at time of arsenal refurbishing).
Wedge: 9520
Arbor Pin: 2841
The serial numbers indicate that the frame and barrel were from late 1862 production, while the backstrap and trigger guard date early 1862 (all from the early Civil War period). Colt records note that the frame (#71188) was originally shipped to the Governor of Iowa in Oct 1862. While studying these “US” marked guns, well-known author Charles Pate noticed that they were all shipped to western states, like Iowa or Illinois, rather than to an eastern state, like New York. It is then assumed that a western arsenal did the rework and refinishing of these M1860’s. Charles Pate’s new book on the Colt M1860 includes a section on these reworked guns.
This revolver has no arsenal blue remaining, and the surface is a mostly a medium gray color overall. The characteristic polishing ridge, as left by the arsenal, is seen on both sides of the frame. The steel surfaces are generally smooth and without pitting. The brass trigger guard has a natural tone.
Although the cylinder has no number or trace of Texas Navy scene, the barrel address is far better than most of these “US” marked M1860’s. The frame on this gun is clearly marked “Colt’s Patent”, which is also exceptional among these arsenal-refinished revolvers. All serial numbers remain distinct as shown. The 8” barrel fits up tightly against frame, indicating that the cylinder arbor has not been bent from past abuse. The wedge can be easily pushed loose from the right side for barrel removal, and the wedge spring remains intact. Many of these well-used M1860’s have a problem with the rammer plunger hanging up in the barrel channel. This problem is caused by excessive wear within that channel. However, the rammer and plunger on this example works very smoothly. The original German silver sight remains unaltered on the 8” barrel. The bore has strong lands and grooves, with a few small areas of pitting in random locations. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would grade this one as a 7 bore in condition.
The hammer cocks and rotates the cylinder completely for good lockup. The half cock notch retains its safety and is not broken. All cylinder nipples show the same degree of wear, with none being an obvious recent replacement. All screws appear to be old with no evidence of slot damage caused by a bad screwdriver. The grips are likely those that left the arsenal, but do show some slight shrinkage. Grips have not been abused as used for a hammer.
This gun comes with an old flap holster that almost looks like regulation Indian Wars period design, but this one was produced later. The holster shows much wear, and there is one small rip at one end of the upper flap (as pointed out). This rip is not in danger of extending with further use. The leather is soft and pliable, and the end plug remains intact.
Overall this is a fine example of a gun which saw hard use during the American Civil War, and especially saw additional action for ten years during the Indian Wars. By 1868 the 9th Cavalry consisted of 885 enlisted men, or about 70 per company. By late 1867 the 10th Cavalry consisted of eight companies of enlisted men. During 1866-75 this revolver may have seen use at locations such as the southern Forts Brown, Davis, Concho, and Stockton, - and to the north at Forts Sill, Gibson, Hays, and Riley, to name a few.
Terms:
No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as a collector’s Colt M1860 Army. If you want to shoot any older gun, first take it to a competent gunsmith and have it checked out.
Three day inspection period, but please ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Contact me by email with request for pictures, or with questions. We can then also set up a phone call to discuss all details of this antique gun.
See my 20 years of feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, CCA, RSA, and S&WCA.
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No personal checks or Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by USPS Registered Mail (12” x 12” x 5-1/2” priority box) with insurance $39.60 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received.
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item.
SOLD
Antique: Yes