October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
This is a rare Richards-Mason type conversion with Richards-Mason Navy type barrel, New York engraved with Class C coverage in scroll and punch dot pattern with wold head hammer. In addition, on the right side of the frame is engraved JP for previous owner. An example of this rare Second Model variation, can be found in figure 5-80 on page 185 in the book "A study of Colt Conversions" by McDowell. This example does not show the Richard Mason type frame conversion sans ring. In addition to the fine period engraving, the entire revolver was period silver plated, a fragile and therefore, a very rare finish. The grips are a beautiful set of one piece smooth ivories with great color with small chip at left front toe. There are no patent dates on left side of frame, only Colt's Patent. This example differs from a standard Richard-Mason in that it does not have the S-lug type barrel. It is as if it is a high-bred link between the 2nd Model and standard Richards-Mason and is the only such type we have ever seen and an exact example is not even pictured in the book. In figure 9-47 & 9-48 on page 399-400, they show two similar conversions with this unusual blend of characteristics listed as a "Mystery Conversion" with less than a dozen known. The cylinder has the standard Naval scene and is nearly 100% visible. This gun has all matching serial numbers to include barrel, frame, cylinder trigger guard and backstrap. This serial number does not fall in the standard Richards-Mason nor the Second Model range. A similar finished, plated, engraved pistol with ivories can be found in figure 5-44 on page 165 in the same book. CONDITION: this gun is near mint. There is a bit of brass showing through on trigger guard and a few rubs on straps, otherwise, it retains at least 98% of the period silver plating. The action is fine and the bore is sharp with some minor abrasion. The trigger still retains 90% of the original fire blue. Possibly one of a kind conversion with all matching numbers and nearly all of the original silver plating with beautiful engraving. One of the finest and rarest Colt 1860 conversions extant. DB