Colt 1860..finally got one.

I have always loved the Colt 1860. To me it is the best looking American percussion revolver ever made, and I always said if I could find one that was priced halfway reasonably, it would be mine. After all, anything old and marked 'COLT' around here requires a small loan, blood sample, your first born, etc..
So when I found this rather worn relic yesterday at the gun show for what I considered to be more than halfway reasonable, I grabbed it.
It is, from what I can see, all matching. Most markings are worn, but there. Action is, for its age, pretty tight. A bit tired feeling, but cocked it locks up like its supposed to.
Serial number puts it at 1863, if my reading is correct.
Very happy to have it!

Nice honest old 1860, you could sit and gently fondle it for hours...just wondering where it had been and what it'd done. Feel it's weight and practice it's pointing. I'd never shoot it but maybe try cocking and uncocking it a bit. A friend of mine locally had a full collection including one that came from a local gold mining area and it had been washed out of a gravel bank. Although solid, it was a nice honest find... At 1863, yours could likely tell a solid story considering what was happening then.

I'm thrilled to have it. I know everyone says 'If only they could talk'..I can only imagine what stories this one would have.

I had the chance to buy (from a friend) a nice four digit 1860 Army and manufactured for the shoulder stock, About 60% finish but the wedge was not the same number
as the other parts. I was too late and he already sold it

Years ago I had one passed down to me. Ill have to get it out and have a look at it soon.

Very nice. That would be an $1800-$2500 buy around here.

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Originally Posted by Doco overboard

Ill have to get it out

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We'd love to see it too...

This is the one, passed down to me. I do not know if it's a martial or civilian model for lack of literature. It has a recessed area in the grip frame but no engraving on the cylinder unless it's been worn away.
Looks like a lot of muzzle wear from being carried or transported on the right side which for some reason makes me think occurred from a peculiar way of travel or storage which is just all speculation on my part.

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Originally Posted by Doco overboard

a lot of muzzle wear from being carried or transported on the right side

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Maybe a saddle boot? The muzzle crown was scrubbing against...?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Doco overboard

This is the one, passed down to me. I do not know if it's a martial or civilian model for lack of literature. It has a recessed area in the grip frame but no engraving on the cylinder unless it's been worn away.
Looks like a lot of muzzle wear from being carried or transported on the right side which for some reason makes me think occurred from a peculiar way of travel or storage which is just all speculation on my part.

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Looks like a nice honest early four screw Army, charisma personified!

The muzzle wear is from being in a holster while riding a horse. Constant up and down motion over several years. Pretty common on these old revolvers. My Colt Navy has the same wear pattern.

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

The muzzle wear is from being in a holster while riding a horse

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About what I expected.