Lot 132

Early Two-Digit Serial Number "55" Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver

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Early Two-Digit Serial Number "55" Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver

Estimate: $6,500 - $11,000

Starting Bid: $5,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Extremely Rare Early Production Two-Digit Serial Number "55" Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Navy Size Grip This extremely rare revolver, bearing serial number 55, was manufactured in 1860 in the first days of production of the famous Colt Model 1860 Army revolver. This is one of only approximately 55 of the first 100 Model 1860 Army revolvers factory made with a round rebated cylinder, three screw frame NOT cut for a shoulder stock, a Hartford barrel address, silver plated back strap and trigger guard assembly, the shorter 7 1/2 inch barrel and Navy size grip per page 163 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson. An included Texas Gun Collectors Association Certificate of Authenticity also lists it as featuring the navy size grip and 7 1/2 inch barrel and also notes that it is "completely original in every respect." The first 100 Model 1860 Army revolvers also do not have capping channels in the recoil shield cutouts as seen in this example. Serial number 50 previously sold by Rock Island Auction Company (lot 3204, December 2024) and serial number 35 (lot 1113, December 2016) both also have an early round cylinder, and serial number 72 (lot 1258, September 2018) has a fluted cylinder. The revolver has a German silver blade front sight, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" on top of the barrel, small "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame, the noted Model 1851 Navy sized brass grip frame with silver plated finish and small single letter inspection marks on the left side of the trigger guard, and a smooth varnish finished walnut grip. The matching two-digit serial number "55" is marked on the loading lever, barrel, wedge, cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, frame, trigger guard, butt, and correctly handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1860 Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: .44

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number55

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good overall, displaying smooth gray and brown patina on the once cleaned iron surfaces, retaining traces of original silver plating in the protected areas around the trigger guard, bright golden aged patina on the brass, light pitting, dings around the wedge, dents and wear on the grip with much of the original glossy piano varnish finish, and small nail head dings on the butt of the back strap and grip characteristic of period use as a working gun. Mechanically functions. This extremely rare early production serial number 55 Colt Model 1860 Army revolver is a significant piece in the story of Colt!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000