320

Colt Richards-Mason Conversion M1860 Army .44 CF

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Colt Richards-Mason Conversion M1860 Army .44 CF
SN: 195445. Reportedly 2,100 of these Colt Model 1860 Richards-Mason conversions were manufactured circa 1877 and 1878 as cartridge revolvers using a mix of percussion revolver parts on hand and newly fabricated components. They are one of the scarcest Colt cartridge conversion revolver variations and were manufactured concurrently with the famous Colt Single Action Army. The revolver has the distinctive breech plate without a rear sight, a matching serial numbered loading gate, 5445, (Last Number is faint) with external spring. It is theorized that these late conversions were all based on using up the left over 1860 percussion pistol that still remained at the Colt factory. 1860 Army manufactured 1871. This type of conversion was performed by fitting it with a new cylinder ring in front of the recoil shield and installing a new loading gate on the frame with an internal spring. The loading lever has been replaced with an ejector housing on the right side of the barrel lug, which has the cross-hatched ejector head. The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" and the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT". The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy scene and "COLT'S PATENT NO. 5445". "Engaged 16 May 1843" stamped in small letters/numbers on the forward cylinder. The complete matching serial number "195445" is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap, and the wedge is unnumbered. Patent dates "July 25 1872" & "July 2 1872" have been stamped over the original Patent dates at the Colt factory. The revolver has a three screw frame, brass trigger guard, iron back strap and one piece oil finished walnut grip, grip has 5 very small brass tacks in the heel. Firing pin installed on hammer with two pins. Bore is very good, strong rifling, some frosting, mechanically excellent, grips are very good overall with a minor chip on the bottom left, cartouches have worn away, the barrel address & serial numbers are a little faint, but readable, the naval battle scene is complete (faint), the metal finish has turned a gray patina, with some minor scattered pin-prick pitting, some original blue on the right barrel, & around the ejector housing. Comes in a contemporary walnut form fitting case with red felt lining, with 32 round cartridge holder. Very Good condition. NRA condition-Very Good as Antique Firearm.