*US, c. 1863, Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver, Serial No. 138781, Cased Set with Dixon Flask, Colt Mould & Accessories, Obsolete Calibre*
A highly attractive and complete cased Colt Model 1860 Army percussion revolver set, retaining matching serial numbers throughout and accompanied by a period fitted case with key and a strong group of associated accessories. Manufactured in 1863 at the height of the American Civil War, this is a classic Colt Army revolver in .44 percussion calibre, presented with a quality English casing arrangement and period accoutrements that give the ensemble considerable visual appeal and collector interest.
The revolver is a Colt Model 1860 Army single-action percussion revolver in obsolete .44 cap-and-ball calibre. It measures approximately 33 cm overall with a 19 cm (7.5 inch) barrel, the shorter commercial length rather than the more common 8-inch military issue format. The revolver cocks and dry fires correctly. The top flat of the barrel carries the standard Hartford address: ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA, while the left side of the frame is stamped COLTS PATENT.
The serial number 138781 appears matching on the trigger guard, butt, frame and underside of the barrel. The loading lever is stamped 8781, while the internal arbor is marked 38781, both entirely correct abbreviated assembly numbers commonly encountered on Colt percussion revolvers. The cylinder itself carries COLTS PATENT NO 8781 and the familiar roll-engraved naval engagement scene with partial legend ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843, commemorating the Battle of Campeche—an engraving style standard on Colt percussion cylinders of the period.
Serial number 138781 places manufacture in 1863, during one of Colt's busiest wartime production years. Although large numbers of Model 1860 Army revolvers were supplied under U.S. military contract, Colt simultaneously maintained commercial production for civilian sale and export. The shorter 7½-inch barrel configuration seen here is associated with commercial retail production rather than standard military contract issue.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 19 cm. Overall length: 33 cm.
The accompanying fitted oak case is of English style and lined in green baize, retaining its original key and internal compartment layout. The revolver is housed with an attractive copper powder flask embossed with martial trophies and marked COLTS PATENT to the front. The reverse bears DIXON & SONS / MADE IN ENGLAND, identifying manufacture by the respected Sheffield maker James Dixon & Sons. Dixon supplied high-grade sporting and shooting accessories throughout the Victorian period and their powder flasks remain highly desirable in their own right.
The accessories further include a Colt marked .44 bullet mould marked COLT / CAL 44 / 6620, together with loading tool and an original tin of Joyce F4 No.26 / 250 Percussion Caps. Frederick Joyce & Co. of London were among Britain's principal percussion cap manufacturers and their products frequently appear in quality Victorian cased revolver sets.
Approx. Measurements of Case: 39 cm x 17.5 cm x 5.5 cm
History Note:
The Colt Model 1860 Army was introduced in 1860 as the United States Army’s principal percussion revolver and rapidly became one of the defining sidearms of the American Civil War. Designed by Samuel Colt and produced at Hartford, Connecticut, it combined the proven lockwork of earlier Colt revolvers with a streamlined frame and rebated cylinder capable of firing the powerful .44 calibre cap-and-ball cartridge. Lighter and better balanced than the earlier Dragoon revolvers, the Model 1860 Army proved exceptionally successful with cavalry, officers and civilian users alike.
During the Civil War, over 200,000 examples were produced, making it Colt’s most successful percussion military revolver. While many were supplied under government contract to Union forces, Colt also maintained commercial production for civilian purchase and export markets. Commercial examples often displayed variations from strict military specification, including alternative barrel lengths and finish options.
The engraved cylinder scene found on Model 1860 revolvers depicts the Battle of Campeche of 16 May 1843, a naval engagement between the Texas Navy and Mexican forces. Samuel Colt adopted this scene as a trademark feature on his percussion revolvers, first appearing on the earlier Colt Navy models and continuing onto Army revolvers as a mark of authenticity and distinction.
The accompanying English-style casing reflects a long Victorian tradition of presenting quality firearms in fitted cases with accessories such as powder flasks, bullet moulds and percussion cap tins. Many American Colt revolvers reached Britain through private purchase, officers returning from overseas service, or commercial importation, with local outfitters often creating custom cased presentations. Such assembled sets remain highly sought-after today for their display appeal and insight into 19th century sporting and military culture.
*Condition*
Condition is good overall. The revolver retains an even aged appearance with expected handling wear and light surface marking throughout. The serial numbers remain matching and clear. The action cocks and dry fires correctly. The case remains structurally sound and retains its key, with age-related marks, light shrinkage lines and surface wear to the exterior wood. Accessories display varying degrees of age and use consistent with period pieces. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
A highly displayable and desirable Civil War-era Colt percussion revolver set, combining an original matching 1863 Colt Army with an attractive Victorian cased presentation and quality period accessories.
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