Arsenal Refurbished Model 1860 Colt Army Buffalo Soldier Revolver
Item #: WR718
This is a Model 1860 Colt Army cap and ball revolver that was arsenal refurbished after the Civil War and issued to one of the western cavalry regiments. Research by Mr. Charles W. Pate has discovered that immediately after the Civil War there was a critical shortage of serviceable revolvers for the US Cavalry. Between 1867 and 1869 a "clean and repair" program was instituted to make as many serviceable revolvers as possible from unserviceable weapons. Included in that program are an estimated 1000 - 1500 1860 Colt Army revolvers that have the letters US stamped into the triggerguard. These revolvers were believed to have been cleaned and repaired at the St. Louis Arsenal or Leavenworth, Kansas with the St. Louis Arsenal being the most likely location. Commonalities of these guns are the US stamp in the triggerguard, most have mismatched serial numbered parts, signs of having been refinished, poor fitting grips, lack of a cylinder scene and often barrels that are slightly shorter than normal. Many, but not all of these "C&R" Colt's were issued to the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, famously known as the Buffalo Soldiers. This cleaned and repaired Model 1860 Colt Army seems to be the exception to the rule. While it does have the US stamped into the triggerguard and the cylinder scene is completely gone, all the other similarities do not pertain to this gun. All the serial numbers match, the grips fit very well, and the barrel is full length. The serial number 22648 puts this one in the production year of 1861. This is an early four screw frame that could be used with a shoulder stock. The 8" barrel has visible rifling and a bright clean bore. The single line ADDRESS COL. SAMl COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA address is faint but visible. The Colt patent mark is no longer visible, nor is the cylinder scene. These were usually removed during the cleaning and refinishing process. The sub inspectors stamp of E is found on the cylinder, along with the letter L stamped on the back strap. The serial numbers are very crisp and match, with the exception of the replacement wedge. The gun has an overall steel gray patina with just traces of the bluing showing here and there. The mechanics of this old Colt work perfectly. The walnut grips are in very good condition. The usual small bumps and dings can be seen on the sides of the grips. They fit the gun like a glove, and have no repairs. This is a solid gun that has some great eye appeal. There is no way of knowing for sure if this one was issued to one of the Buffalo soldier regiments, but the odds are in your favor that it was! If you have an Indian Wars collection this could be your centerpiece!
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