Description
Offered for sale is a fine example of the legendary Colt 1860 Army percussion revolver – the most widely used sidearm of the American Civil War. Manufactured in 1861, this revolver is not only a functional firearm of its day but also an enduring symbol of the Union cavalryman and the western frontier.
Historical Background
The Colt 1860 Army was introduced as the successor to the Colt 1848 Dragoon and became Colt’s most popular percussion revolver, with more than 200,000 produced between 1860 and 1873. Chambered in .44 calibre, it combined power with a slimmer, lighter frame adapted from the .36 calibre 1851 Navy model.
Favoured for its balance, reliability, and stopping power, the 1860 Army became the standard-issue revolver for the U.S. Army during the Civil War. It was carried by soldiers, cavalry troopers, and officers on both sides of the conflict. The rebated cylinder allowed for the larger calibre while still fitting the Navy-sized frame, and the streamlined design made it more practical than the bulky Dragoons it replaced.
After the war, many 1860 Armies continued in service during westward expansion, used by frontiersmen, lawmen, and settlers. Its historical importance as the sidearm of the Civil War cannot be overstated, making it one of the most desirable Colt percussion revolvers for collectors today.
Revolver Details
-
Calibre: .44 percussion (muzzle-loading)
-
Action: 6-shot rebated cylinder (approx. 70% of the cylinder scene remains visible)
-
Barrel: 203mm (8″) round barrel
-
Bore: Fair, with rifling present
-
Markings:
-
Standard fixed sights
-
Barrel bears one-line COLT NEW-YORK address
-
“COLT’S PATENT” marking to the left-hand side of the four-screw frame
-
Inspector’s marks: “C” and “L” to the barrel, “B” and “L” to the cylinder
-
Serial No. 21400 – manufactured circa 1861
-
-
Metal Condition: Light and dark patina across all metal surfaces; some light polishing to the brass trigger guard
-
Furniture: Brass trigger guard and iron back strap
-
Grips: Original walnut grips in good condition, with very faint cartouche visible on the left-hand side
-
Overall: Good profiles with clear barrel address and markings; a revolver that shows honest wear consistent with its age while still retaining strong collector appeal
Collector’s Significance
The Colt 1860 Army was the revolver of the American Civil War, with more than 127,000 purchased by the Union government alone. Its combination of elegant design, combat effectiveness, and sheer ubiquity makes it one of the most historically important sidearms of the 19th century.
This particular example, manufactured in 1861 – the first year of the war, places it right at the beginning of that defining conflict. With a strong percentage of its cylinder scene, visible markings, and a faint inspector’s cartouche, it offers collectors both authenticity and historical resonance.
For enthusiasts of Civil War militaria, Colt percussion revolvers, or U.S. frontier history, this is an opportunity to own a tangible link to one of the most transformative eras in American history.
📦 Shipping available to your closest dealer (prices start from $65 per firearm).
❌ No shipping to WA.
Serial No.: 21400
Book Ref.: A9-4064
