*US, Civil War, Early Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Revolver (c.1863) with Complete Belt Rig: Eagle Plate, Holster, Model 1850 Cap Pouch, Accessory Pouch and Shoulder Support Strap, Serial No. 89837, Obsolete Calibre*
An exceptionally attractive and increasingly scarce complete American Civil War field set, comprising an original Colt Model 1860 Army percussion revolver in .44 calibre, accompanied by a well-matched and highly evocative belt rig including eagle plate, holster, cap pouch, accessory pouch, and an early shoulder-supported strap system. This is a cohesive and display-ready ensemble representing the classic sidearm and accoutrements of the Union soldier during the middle years of the war.
The revolver is an original Colt Model 1860 Army, the principal sidearm of Union forces and one of the most iconic firearms of the American Civil War. Chambered in .44 percussion calibre, the revolver retains its correct round barrel and rebated cylinder, the latter marked with the standard patent date of September 10th, 1850. The serial number 89837 places its manufacture firmly in early 1863, a pivotal year of the conflict, coinciding with major campaigns such as Gettysburg and Vicksburg.
The metal surfaces display a consistent and honest patina, with areas of greying, light pitting, and service wear throughout, indicative of genuine age rather than later artificial ageing. The brass trigger guard retains a pleasing mellow tone, contrasting well with the darker steel components. The walnut grip is well-formed and shows handling wear commensurate with use, with smooth edges and a warm, aged finish. The loading lever is present and correctly fitted. Overall, the revolver presents as an untouched and characterful example of a wartime Colt Army revolver.
Belt Rig:
The revolver is housed within a full flap leather holster of correct Civil War cavalry pattern, of tapered form with stitched rear seam construction and integral belt attachment, correctly sized for a Colt Model 1860 Army revolver. The holster displays substantial but honest age and service wear throughout, including crazing, finish loss, edge wear, and surface cracking entirely consistent with period use, yet remains structurally intact and highly displayable.
The belt rig itself is centred around a Federal-style leather waist belt fitted with a brass U.S. eagle plate of classic Civil War form, incorporating the spread eagle and shield motif within a laurel wreath surround. The plate retains good detail and an attractive aged patina. Importantly, the reverse retains its original hook fastening system together with stamped assembly numbering (X VIIII), a desirable detail supporting period manufacture and hand-fitted construction. The leather belt shows heavy but consistent age, with surface crazing, cracking, and wear to the blackened finish, entirely in keeping with original wartime leather accoutrements.
Particularly noteworthy is the percussion cap pouch, one of the most historically important elements of the entire ensemble. This is an original U.S. Model 1850 percussion cap pouch retaining clear internal markings: “F.A. SNIFFEN / U.S. ORD DEPT / SUB INSPECTION / R. NECE” These markings directly connect the pouch to the Federal wartime accoutrement supply system and to Philadelphia contractor Reuben Nece, a major Civil War supplier of cavalry and infantry leather equipment, horse furnishings, and accoutrement sets to the Union Army. Research by noted author Paul Johnson identifies this oval inspection format as one associated with the inspection system instituted under Captain Julian McAllister following his appointment as Inspector of Horse Equipments, Infantry and Cavalry Accoutrements in July 1864.
The pouch retains all the classic characteristics of the regulation Model 1850 pattern, including its shield-shaped outer flap, brass finial closure, internal inspection flap, and original lamb’s wool lining. This wool lining served the important practical purpose of securing percussion caps and preventing loss while riding or manoeuvring in the field. Significantly, the pouch also retains its original vent pick tucked into the lining, a small wire tool used to clear fouling from the firearm nipple—an accessory very commonly missing from surviving examples.
The reverse retains its twin vertical belt loops together with the original brass suspension hook for attachment to auxiliary straps or cavalry equipment. One outer securing strap is broken, consistent with age and service wear. Measuring approximately 9 cm x 9 cm, this is an exceptionally strong and highly desirable Civil War cap pouch with direct links to the Union wartime inspection and supply system.
Mounted centrally to the belt is a square leather accessory pouch of private-purchase quality, constructed with broad flap and twin vertical securing straps. The pouch retains decorative embossed sunburst tooling, a particularly attractive detail indicative of a superior commercially produced item rather than simple regulation issue equipment. Such embellished leatherwork was commonly associated with officers or soldiers purchasing upgraded field equipment from military outfitters during the Civil War period. The pouch would likely have been used for percussion accessories, revolver cartridges, spare nipples, cleaning tools, or other personal field items. The leather displays rich age patina and heavy but attractive wear throughout, contributing significantly to the visual impact and authenticity of the ensemble.
Most notably, the rig retains its early shoulder-supported carrying system, comprising a long leather brace strap with adjustment holes and brass hook terminal engaging with a suspension ring mounted to the belt. This auxiliary support arrangement was intended to distribute the considerable weight of the revolver and equipment across the shoulder while stabilising the holster during mounted use. Such systems represent an early and comparatively uncommon precursor to later Sam Browne-style load-bearing equipment, illustrating the practical evolution of military field gear during the Civil War era. The survival of the shoulder strap together with its associated brass hooks, suspension rings, and hanging straps considerably enhances the completeness and desirability of the set.
Additional brass rings, leather drops, and stud-fastened suspension elements further reinforce the interpretation of this as a functional mounted or cavalry field rig assembled for active wartime service rather than simple parade equipmen
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: approx. 20 cm. Overall revolver length: approx. 35 cm.
History Note:
The Colt Model 1860 Army was the standard-issue revolver for Union forces during the American Civil War and was widely carried by cavalry, artillerymen, and officers. Produced in large numbers, it combined the power of a .44 calibre chambering with a relatively streamlined profile. Equipment such as belts, holsters, and pouches were issued through a combination of government contracts and private purchase, resulting in a wide variety of configurations in the field. Shoulder-supported belt systems such as this example represent an early solution to the problem of carrying heavy sidearms, particularly for mounted troops, and predate the more standardised Sam Browne system introduced later in the 19th century. Complete surviving rigs combining firearm and associated equipment are increasingly difficult to find.
*Condition*
The revolver remains in good, honest, and untouched condition, showing consistent wear and patination throughout. Metal surfaces exhibit age-related wear, with areas of light pitting and greying. The grip is sound with expected handling wear. Coks and dry-fires. Obsolete Calibre. The leather components across the belt, holster, and pouches show clear age, including cracking, stiffness, and surface wear, one belt loop on the cap pouch is broken. The shoulder strap is present with evident age and use. Overall, a well-preserved and highly displayable ensemble. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAHOOXCHEO_7353240345
