This exceptional Colt Richards "Conversion" Model 1860 Army revolver that was manufactured in the period between 1871 and 1875. Though these revolvers are commonly referred to as conversions they were actually produced by the Colt factory as cartridge revolver utilizing remaining percussion parts and newly manufactured parts. The barrel of this example is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA-". The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT". The cylinder features the Texas and Mexican naval battle scene. The matching serial number "194507" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The wedge is unnumbered, and the cylinder and cylinder pin have the matching partial serial number "4507". The loading gate is numbered "4756". It has a short German silver blade front sight and a notch rear sight is integral to the breechplate which extends slightly over the rear of the cylinder and has an firing pin. The ejector rod head is checkered, and the revolver is fitted with a one-piece varnished walnut grip. The barrel, ejector assembly, cylinder, trigger and back strap are blued while the trigger guard/front strap is silver plated and the frame, hammer, and breechplate are casehardened. The revolver comes in an American style wood case with a fitted, red velvet line interior with a section for the revolver, small compartment with an oiler, another small compartment currently holding three .44-40 cases, another thin compartment with a cleaning rod, and a large fifty round wooden cartridge block holding forty-seven .44 Colt cartridges and three additional .44-40 cases.

Very fine as factory refinished. 75% of the bright high polish blue finish remains with some thinning throughout and a brown patina on the exposed surfaces. 85% of the slightly faded case colors remain, and nearly all of the silver plating is intact displaying a forming dark patina. There are some light scratches throughout including a faint drag line on the cylinder. The grip has several minor scratches, a few pressure marks, and wear along the bottom edges and near the junction with the frame. The action is excellent and the markings including the cylinder scene are crisp. The case is very good with some minor storage type wear on the revarnished exterior and some stains and tears on the interior lining. This is an exceptional example of a Richards Conversion revolver complete with a period style case. Few of these revolvers were so carefully maintained; most saw punishing use out West.