Hi everyone,
I've been lurking đź‘€ for a few, but just joined today!
I've recently been tasked with researching a family heirloom, Colt Model 1860 Army revolver. There isn't much in the way of info, in terms of how the family acquired the piece, however, so I'm looking to gain more of an understanding of what they actually have here, and possibly get some opinions on condition (as accurate as possible given the attached pics).
I have attempted to do my due diligence but there's nuance to everything, so I thought best to petition those of you who graciously offer your expertise on the Forum. Based on what I've found, this does not appear to be a replica. I hope I've correctly identified that fact.
I think the biggest question is, is there a definitive method to determine if the piece was military issued? And if so, if we can determine lineage somehow?
The serial number of 133748 does match between the various components that have a S/N mark. From research, this puts the production year in the latter part of 1863 to 1864 range. I did find another thread--> that had a chart with dates, but there seemed to be some discrepancy in terms of the sequences being out of chronological order . i.e. 133290 and 133571 had this: Dec 6, 1871, while 133241 shows SEP 17, 1865, and 133812 shows SEP 09, 1863. I'm a bit confused.
There are two inspection marks: An "H" on the top of the back strap, and another "H" on the trigger guard. I have seen Charles Pate's PDF--> in my travels and he has a mention to the mark but is there a way to find out who that H belonged to?
In a Civil War forum-->, it has:
The military inspectors who used the letter "H" through the Civil War were:
1. Andrew A. Harwood, Cdr., USN (Ames Peace flask, Ă•64) 1818-64.
2. Benjamin Hannis, Armory S-l--Allen & Wheelock, Colt Model 1860, Remington Savage Ă’Figure 8,Ă“ and Starr revolvers 1861.
3. CHH C. H. Hunt, Armory S-l 1864.
There are no visible cartouches on the grips. Assuming either they didn't exist, or have been worn down?
I've read that there could be additional information under the grips, but don't feel like taking a screwdriver to any screws to find out. Is that a possibility, and would it be a bad thing to attempt to see?
The writing on the barrel is readable, but worn.
I know enough not to clean anything, and it seems to have been stored with a coating of, I want to say gun oil, but it sure seemed like grease that rubbed off on the rag I used to hold it. Should I apply some quality gun oil or leave as is?
I can't find the exact holster. I can find similar ones, but not this exact one. It's not in great shape and has some mildew spots, and cracking. Sorry I don't have a pic of the back, but I can post later if needed.
Anyhow, I have written a novel already, so I will end here with the pics. Thanks for reading and in advance for any insight and direction for me to pursue going forward.
Mark (sabre)
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I've been lurking đź‘€ for a few, but just joined today!
I've recently been tasked with researching a family heirloom, Colt Model 1860 Army revolver. There isn't much in the way of info, in terms of how the family acquired the piece, however, so I'm looking to gain more of an understanding of what they actually have here, and possibly get some opinions on condition (as accurate as possible given the attached pics).
I have attempted to do my due diligence but there's nuance to everything, so I thought best to petition those of you who graciously offer your expertise on the Forum. Based on what I've found, this does not appear to be a replica. I hope I've correctly identified that fact.
I think the biggest question is, is there a definitive method to determine if the piece was military issued? And if so, if we can determine lineage somehow?
The serial number of 133748 does match between the various components that have a S/N mark. From research, this puts the production year in the latter part of 1863 to 1864 range. I did find another thread--> that had a chart with dates, but there seemed to be some discrepancy in terms of the sequences being out of chronological order . i.e. 133290 and 133571 had this: Dec 6, 1871, while 133241 shows SEP 17, 1865, and 133812 shows SEP 09, 1863. I'm a bit confused.
There are two inspection marks: An "H" on the top of the back strap, and another "H" on the trigger guard. I have seen Charles Pate's PDF--> in my travels and he has a mention to the mark but is there a way to find out who that H belonged to?
In a Civil War forum-->, it has:
The military inspectors who used the letter "H" through the Civil War were:
1. Andrew A. Harwood, Cdr., USN (Ames Peace flask, Ă•64) 1818-64.
2. Benjamin Hannis, Armory S-l--Allen & Wheelock, Colt Model 1860, Remington Savage Ă’Figure 8,Ă“ and Starr revolvers 1861.
3. CHH C. H. Hunt, Armory S-l 1864.
There are no visible cartouches on the grips. Assuming either they didn't exist, or have been worn down?
I've read that there could be additional information under the grips, but don't feel like taking a screwdriver to any screws to find out. Is that a possibility, and would it be a bad thing to attempt to see?
The writing on the barrel is readable, but worn.
I know enough not to clean anything, and it seems to have been stored with a coating of, I want to say gun oil, but it sure seemed like grease that rubbed off on the rag I used to hold it. Should I apply some quality gun oil or leave as is?
I can't find the exact holster. I can find similar ones, but not this exact one. It's not in great shape and has some mildew spots, and cracking. Sorry I don't have a pic of the back, but I can post later if needed.
Anyhow, I have written a novel already, so I will end here with the pics. Thanks for reading and in advance for any insight and direction for me to pursue going forward.
Mark (sabre)
