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Colt 1860 Army 4 Screw Revolver

Here is an 1860 Army that has seen better days but nonetheless,  it has an early 4 Screw Frame.  My guess is this was once used as a Hollywood Movie Prop as the barrel is stamped "WESTERN" in two places....possibly a prop marking for the Western Costume Co. or ????.  I found it on the West Coast so this wouldn't be a surprise.  

Going back 140 years to a previous life, this could be a post Civil War Springfield Arsenal Rebuild as there is a "US" stamped on the frame which is the correct size...although this marking is usually found in front of the triggerguard beneath the serial number. Many of these revolvers were shipped out West after the War and issued to units like the 10th Cavalry. 

Like most rebuilds, it has the typical and completely correct assortment of mixed some numbers although some novice decided that it would be better numbers on the frame and barrel ground off.  Uggghhhhh!!!!!    However, 4 digits are still located on the arbor pin which should correspond to the frame number...if you're willing to spend the money, its possible the numbers could still be raised. The triggerguard and backstrap matching in the 40,000 range.  The cylinder number is visible as well but not matching.  Wedge has no number.

As you can see in the photos, it looks like someone had this entire gun nickel plated along with the bumpers to their 57 Chevrolet down at the local Chrome Plating shop...still from 10 feet away, it looks pretty good....just like a movie prop.  The metal underneath the nickel has scattered pitting but has never been polished as the edges are still decent and many of the markings are still present....although I'm sure the cylinder scene is probably gone.  Barrel address is still pretty decent and still legible with Union inspectors initials still visible on various parts of the gun.  Chances are the markings would improve with the removal of the nickel.  Grips are nice looking, quite slim though to fit your hand better.  The wood to metal fit is nice.  The two screws for the shoulder stock have been removed although this would be easy to replace for 3 or 4 dollars with some replacements. Action works just fine.  Bore is pretty good with strong rifling and a few scattered pits. 

If you're looking for just an example of a Civil War Model 1860 or an Indian Wars era Rebuild, this would be an economical alternative to a nicer example.  You won't find a 4 screw 1860 for less than this one and if you have the time and desire, this one could really improve with some effort with a couple of new screws and having the nickel stripped away.  All in all, this would make a great conversation piece or a good restoration project that you will be sure to make money on in the future.

SOLD

 
   
       
       
       
       

 

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