1217

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with Relief Carved Checkered Mexican Snake and Eagle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Factory Engraved Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with Relief Carved Checkered Mexican Snake and Eagle
Buyer's Premium is 19.5% by credit card, reduced to 17% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $16000 - 25000
This fine factory engraved Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver was manufactured in 1867. The revolver is decorated with Colt's "Late Percussion Vine Scroll" engraving that was the predominate style of factory engraving on post-Civil War Colt revolvers. This style of engraving features graceful and elegant scrollwork but lacks the punch-dot background found on earlier Colt engraving. The engraving on this revolver is very similar to the Model 1860 Army revolver illustrated on page 263 of "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING VOLUME I" by R.L. Wilson. In addition to factory engraving the revolver is fitted with a one-piece checkered, ivory grip with relief-carved Mexican Eagle and Serpent on the left side. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line legend: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in a panel with scrollwork borders. The "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame is located in a panel formed by scroll-work. "44 CAL" is roll-stamped on the lower left side of the trigger guard bow. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT NO." "ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843" is roll-engraved along the forward edge of the cylinder. The letter "E", used by Colt to designate components that were to be engraved or receiver special handling polish and finish is stamped either above or below the serial number on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap, The full serial number "169532" is located in the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "9532" is stamped on the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is complete with a russet leather "California" pattern holster for a Colt Model 1860 Army. The contour-fit holster has a arched throat profile and belt loop secured by a single rivet. The edges of the seam have three elk-hide reinforcements.
BBL: 8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: ivory carved
Serial Number: 169532E
Condition: Fine. This attractive revolver retains 25% of the original blue finish on the frame and cylinder. The hammer and protected portions of the frame retain traces of the original casehardened finish. Significant amounts of the silver-plated finish are present on the trigger guard. The trigger has nearly all of the niter blue finish. The balance of the revolver has a very attractive smooth silver-gray patina. The engraving is crisp and deep. The cylinder has some scattered flash pitting and retains more than 90% of the roll-engraved naval scene. The rear face of the cylinder has light-moderate flash pitting. The cylinder pins are battered and the percussion nipples are replacements. The checkered and relief-carved ivory grip has a very attractive age patina and is in very-good to excellent condition. The relief carved Mexican eagle and checkering are very crisp. Age shrinkage is minimal. The only significant wear on the grip are several hairline age cracks on the butt. This is a fine factory engraved Model 1860 Army Revolver which has some finish wear but presents an outstanding appearance. The scarce California pattern holster is all original but shows heavy use. The toe of the holster is open, the stitching is missing from part of the scene and the holster has heavy surface cracking and has about 30% of the original finish intact.