COLT PERCUSSION MODEL 1860 ARMY CIVIL WAR, AND LATER ARSENAL RECONDITIONED FOR INDIAN WAR ERA “BUFFALO SOLDIER” 9TH & 10TH CAVALRY

Description:
Description:
A number of M1860 army revolvers remaining in government inventory after the Civil War were repaired and refinished.  The arsenal 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 one serial number.  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.  Notice that he has his pistol in holster backwards, to show it off!

Now this gun is exceptional, as most serial numbers match! 
The serial numbers of the major parts on this revolver are listed below, with some comments: 

Barrel: 85568
Frame: 85568
Trigger Guard: 85568
Backstrap: 85568
Cylinder: No number (believed to have been polished off during refurbishing). 
Wedge: 3929
Arbor Pin: 5568

Charles Pate told me that #85568 was originally shipped to the NY Arsenal in January 1863.  He said the “US” appears to be the standard, so was rebuilt by the Army at a western location, like Rock Island in Illinois.  Charles Pate’s new book on the Colt M1860 includes a section on these reworked guns. 

The barrel and cylinder surfaces are mostly a dark blue-gray color overall.  That finish has largely faded on the backstrap.  The characteristic belt sander polishing, as performed by the arsenal, is seen on the frame and barrel.  The steel surfaces are generally smooth and with some isolated pitting.  The brass trigger guard has a natural tone. 

Notice that I am showing all six cylinder panels. 
The Colt in “Colt’s Patent” is very weak on the frame, as normal on these.  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.  The rammer and plunger on this example works very smoothly.  The original German silver sight on the 8” barrel was thinned up slightly by a past user.  The bore is exceptional!  It has strong lands and grooves, and is shiny throughout.  On a scale of 1 to 10, I would grade this one as a 9 bore in condition. 

The hammer cocks and rotates the cylinder for good lockup, with perfect timing, almost as if new.  The half cock notch leaves a nipple lined up with the frame’s capping groove, as it should.  All cylinder nipples show little wear, with none being an obvious recent replacement.  The screws show little slot damage, as caused by a bad screwdriver.  The grips are likely those that left the arsenal, but do show some shrinkage.  Grips have not been abused as used for a hammer. 

Overall, this is a fine example of a gun which saw hard use during the American Civil War, with 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 and northwest at Forts Sill, Union, 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.  If you want to shoot any older gun, first take it to a competent gunsmith and have it checked out. 

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 6” priority box) with insurance $71.00 (and tracking number provided to buyer).  Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received. 

Three day inspection period, but ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom).  Additional pictures sent on request.  I always set up a phone visit with a buyer, so that all questions can be addressed. 
 

Curio/Relic: Yes
Antique: Yes

Price: $3,995.00