Rare Colt mould marked "36 R" over "45 A" on the right side and "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter. Originally manufactured in the 1850s or 1860s as a .36 calibre ball and conical bullet mould for a percussion Colt and then factory re-cut for a .45 Colt bullet for the Colt Single Action Army of western frontier fame.
This rare mould is marked “36 R” over “45 A” on the right side and “COLT’S/PATENT” on the sprue cutter. It was originally manufactured in the 1850s or 1860s as a .36 calibre ball and conical bullet mould for a percussion Colt and was re-cut for a .45 Colt bullet for the Colt Single Action Army of western frontier fame. One of these moulds is shown on page 190 of “Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers…a Continuing Study” and noted as “One of two known styles of .45 Colt S.A.A. bullet moulds. These moulds are believed to be for civilian use and are patterned after the Colt percussion era moulds. This one was expressly manufactured as a .45 Calibre, two cavity conical bullet mould with two grease grooves in each bullet.”
Very fine with more than 80% original blue finish and minor wear.