This is a nice, untouched .44 caliber Colt Army revolver from the Civil War period. The serial number of 16519 places the production date of this pistol in 1861. In Charles W. Pate's book, "The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver", beginning on page 311, it describes the Union Army and the Stocked New Model Army (NMA) Colt Revolver. In particular it discusses Captain Silas Crispin, acting as the Ordnance Department's representative in New York city. He requested 1000 Colt Army pistols with detachable stocks, citing them as being as effective as most of the carbines, and would serve as both pistol and carbine. On 1 March, 1862, 1000 of the pistols with detachable stocks were shipped to Crispin. These guns were stamped with the number 0 by all serial numbers except the cylinder. In addition, all pistols were stamped 44 CAL on the left rear trigger guard. Also noted in the book is the fact that there have been no known examples examined by the author that had sub inspector stamps. This Colt revolver exhibits all the characteristics of one of the guns shipped to Captain Crispin. On page 347 of Pate's book it gives a serial number range of 16733 - 22834, but there is no doubt in my mind this revolver, serial number 16519, was one of the 1000 shipped out with a shoulder stock. The 8" barrel address reads "ADDRESS COL. SAMl COLT NEW - YORK U.S. AMERICA". The bore is in good condition with crisp rifling and no pitting present. The loading lever is fully functional. The cylinder scene is still very visible, with the patent date of of Sept 10th 1850 visible below the serial number stamp, and ENGAGED 10 MAY 1843 stamped along the edge of the cylinder above the Naval scene. You almost never seen both of the stamps still showing. The serial number of 16519, a match for the rest of the gun. The Colts Patent mark on the left side of the frame is clear. Being an early production Army, the frame of this revolver is the four screw type. The serial numbers on the back strap, trigger guard, frame and barrel are clearly visible and match, including the wedge! Stamped with the serial number on the barrel, frame, back strap and trigger guard is a 0. This indicates that this revolver was originally shipped with a shoulder stock. The one piece walnut grips do not have a cartouche. They show a ton of wear, the original varnish is thin, but still displays great! Everything on the gun appears original. The cylinder, back strap and a couple of small areas of the frame are lightly pitted. The action is crisp and locks up in half and full cock positions. The brass trigger guard has a dull golden patina to it. There is a little bit of case color left showing, but the original bluing and silver was are long gone. The trigger guard is stamped 44 Cal on the left side and a number 2 on the left side of the trigger guard. The overall condition of this Civil War revolver is good. This old Colt Army revolver is a unique piece, being one of 1000 early war pistols shipped out with shoulder stocks to the government.

Item # AA2549

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