Rare Colt Model 1860 Richards 12-slot cylinder variation conversion of the Army revolver s/n 198898 manufactured circa 1871-78 in obsolete 44 Colt centrefire calibre. Six shot rebated cylinder, eight inch round barrel, with ejector rod attached. It is a factory converted example, made up from percussion parts and numbered in the percussion serial range. The 12-slot cylinder is numbered 4107. 

This early metallic cartridge revolver, is basically a Colt 1860 Army percussion revolver, with its loading lever removed and the barrel lug plugged. It is fitted with a conversion breech-plate, numbered 4301 (assembly number), a firing pin, integral rear sight and a rim which projects slightly over the breech end of the cylinder.

The barrel address reads: -ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-. It is stamped COLTS/PATENT on the left side of the frame and 44 CAL on the left shoulder of the trigger-guard. 

It has a blued barrel, cylinder and back-strap, case coloured frame and breech-plate and silver-plated trigger-guard. The revolver is complimented with varnished one-piece walnut grips. The cylinder depicts the naval engagement scene between the Texas Navy and the Mexico Navy. Only a few of the12-slot cylinder variation are known and rarely encountered. 

Overall with much blue finish to the cylinder and other protected areas on the backstrap. Patina finish elsewhere, with excellent cylinder scene, good action and in good working order. It was this model that “Won the West” prior and alongside the Colt 1873 single action revolver. Very nice example.