For Sale: 1st Model Richards Conversion Colt 1860 Army

After the Civil War, Charles Richards, Head Engineer at the Colt factory, designed a method to convert Model 1860 Army revolver to fire metallic cartridges. The result was the Richards Conversion, of which the revolver offered here is the 1^st Model. The conversion utilizes a breech plate with firing pin, mounted rear site, and shroud that covered the rear of the cylinder. A cartridge ejector rod was added to the right side of the barrel and the loading lever eliminated. With over 9000 1^st Model Richards Conversions made from 1873-1878, these .44 centerfire revolvers were considered more reliable than other conversions of the day.

This Colt 1860 Army 1^st Model Richards Conversion has matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, backstrap, trigger guard, and cylinder. The breech plate has matching assembly numbers. Colt address is found on top of the barrel, Colt’s Patent on the front, left side of the frame, and the wedge is unmarked. The cylinder scene is faint but visible, the trigger guard and gripstraps retain much of the silver plating, the barrel has been reblued, and no finish remains of the rest of the metal parts. The action is strong and functions as intended. The bore is clean, mostly bright, with visible rifling and some patches of pitting.

This is an excellent representative example of the Colt Model 1860 Army 1^st Model Richards Conversion and would look good in a collection or at the range. See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of an antique handgun before purchasing this item.