RARE 'E' SERIAL, LONDON PROOFED COLT 1860 ARMY s/n 59609E
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This is a rare surviving example of an E suffix, London proofed Colt Model 1860 , Serial Number 59609, manufactured in 1862
Colt designed the Model 1860 to replace the Third Model Dragoon as its big bore, six shot (.44) revolver.
Drawing on the Model 1851 Navy revolver and using the same roller applied Navel engagement scene as the 1851 Navy.
The 1860 took manufacture a step further with a rounded barrel, streamlining and simplifying the production process and coming up with the iconic shape of the 1860 Army.
The model 1860 was a hugely successful revolver with over 200,000 made, with 127,000 acquired by the Union Government for service in the Civil War.
This example is an extremely rare London Proofed 'E' suffix serial example of the 1860. Colt used various Special factory marks and letters to designate guns diverted for various different contracts.
The E suffix was apparently originally used to designate revolvers destined for specialist engraving and finishing for civilian sale.
Following this, the E suffix was used to designate 'Export' or 'England', what E actually stands for is open to some debate, as Colt used the 'L' (London) designation, for revolvers destined for their London Pall Mall office and onward proof and trade sales.
Perhaps, they were revolvers destined for Engraving that for whatever reason were diverted instead for export sale, we will probably never know.
One things for sure, surviving examples are extremely rare (try finding another example online, or in any reference books).
Curiously, the revolver has the number 17 stamped onto the left hand side of the barrel, this was clearly done post manufacture.
It suggests a rack or census number, which in turn implies some form of official service, that appears to go against the general very good condition of the piece and its lack of use. Another fascinating mystery, I shall carry out further research into British official use of the model 1860, so far I have drawn a blank.
This example, manufactured in 1862, has an eight inch barrel, six shot cylinder and silvered trigger guard, with blued back strap. The one line barrel address reads: 'ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S AMERICA
CONDITION REPORT
Overall: I would classify s/n 59609E in (NRA standard) Very Good condition, matching numbers (wedge is unnumbered), 30 +% original Colt finish surviving to barrel, frame,cylinder, hammer and rammer and aged to a lovely grey patina.
The action screws are in good order, displaying a couple of barely perceptible burrs to the wedge screw. The revolver operates extremely well, on half and full cock and indexes and locks up absolutely solidly, suggesting a revolver that's seen very little use.
Barrel assembly:
The Barrel has 30% original finish, with lightly struck barrel markings and sharp edges. The bore has clear and sharp lands and grooves, with even frosting throughout and the odd small pitt, not really perceptible to the naked eye.
The attached ramrod displaying a finish, aged to a grey patina.
Frame and hammer:
The frame and hammer have a smooth patina aged finish, wear commensurate with age and handling. All markings and edges are clear and sharp.
The cylinder:
The cylinder is excellent, with the Naval engagement scene and s/n still very clearly evident on the cylinder exterior surface. A few historic light strike marks are evident, The finish is blued and aged to rather nice patina.
The rear face is excellent, showing very little to no firing erosion, the safety pins have some typical damage through typical historical mishandling, the original nipples are also in good condition.
Trigger Guard, grips and back Strap:
The walnut grips, complete with blued steel back-strap and silvered brass trigger guard are in good serviceable condition, strong traces of original silvering have survived, with traces of original bluing to the back strap.
Length 14 in (356 mm)
Calibre .44
Colt designed the Model 1860 to replace the Third Model Dragoon as its big bore, six shot (.44) revolver.
Drawing on the Model 1851 Navy revolver and using the same roller applied Navel engagement scene as the 1851 Navy.
The 1860 took manufacture a step further with a rounded barrel, streamlining and simplifying the production process and coming up with the iconic shape of the 1860 Army.
The model 1860 was a hugely successful revolver with over 200,000 made, with 127,000 acquired by the Union Government for service in the Civil War.
This example is an extremely rare London Proofed 'E' suffix serial example of the 1860. Colt used various Special factory marks and letters to designate guns diverted for various different contracts.
The E suffix was apparently originally used to designate revolvers destined for specialist engraving and finishing for civilian sale.
Following this, the E suffix was used to designate 'Export' or 'England', what E actually stands for is open to some debate, as Colt used the 'L' (London) designation, for revolvers destined for their London Pall Mall office and onward proof and trade sales.
Perhaps, they were revolvers destined for Engraving that for whatever reason were diverted instead for export sale, we will probably never know.
One things for sure, surviving examples are extremely rare (try finding another example online, or in any reference books).
Curiously, the revolver has the number 17 stamped onto the left hand side of the barrel, this was clearly done post manufacture.
It suggests a rack or census number, which in turn implies some form of official service, that appears to go against the general very good condition of the piece and its lack of use. Another fascinating mystery, I shall carry out further research into British official use of the model 1860, so far I have drawn a blank.
This example, manufactured in 1862, has an eight inch barrel, six shot cylinder and silvered trigger guard, with blued back strap. The one line barrel address reads: 'ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S AMERICA
CONDITION REPORT
Overall: I would classify s/n 59609E in (NRA standard) Very Good condition, matching numbers (wedge is unnumbered), 30 +% original Colt finish surviving to barrel, frame,cylinder, hammer and rammer and aged to a lovely grey patina.
The action screws are in good order, displaying a couple of barely perceptible burrs to the wedge screw. The revolver operates extremely well, on half and full cock and indexes and locks up absolutely solidly, suggesting a revolver that's seen very little use.
Barrel assembly:
The Barrel has 30% original finish, with lightly struck barrel markings and sharp edges. The bore has clear and sharp lands and grooves, with even frosting throughout and the odd small pitt, not really perceptible to the naked eye.
The attached ramrod displaying a finish, aged to a grey patina.
Frame and hammer:
The frame and hammer have a smooth patina aged finish, wear commensurate with age and handling. All markings and edges are clear and sharp.
The cylinder:
The cylinder is excellent, with the Naval engagement scene and s/n still very clearly evident on the cylinder exterior surface. A few historic light strike marks are evident, The finish is blued and aged to rather nice patina.
The rear face is excellent, showing very little to no firing erosion, the safety pins have some typical damage through typical historical mishandling, the original nipples are also in good condition.
Trigger Guard, grips and back Strap:
The walnut grips, complete with blued steel back-strap and silvered brass trigger guard are in good serviceable condition, strong traces of original silvering have survived, with traces of original bluing to the back strap.
Length 14 in (356 mm)
Calibre .44
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