USFA Percussion & Conversion Models

[Chain-Fire]

Does anyone out there have information regarding USFA percussion and conversion models.  I'm interested in knowing what models were actually produced as well as how many were produced.  I have a USFA 1851 Navy and a USFA 1851 Navy Richards Mason conversion.  I would like to purchase a USFA 1860 Army and a USFA 1860 Army Richards Mason conversion - if any were produced.  I have found very little information on this subject - other than what I have found in very early USFA catalogs.

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Chain-Fire,
Welcome to the USFA forum.
Back when USFA was first getting started, they planned on producing a line of percussion revolvers.  I know that they made a number of 1851 Navy models and I assume that they were Uberti parts, as were the early USFA guns, that were fit and finished by USFA.  As for the other models, I have no idea how many were actually produced.  I have never seen or heard of anything other than the Navy model.  USFA apparently abandoned the percussion revolver line in favor of concentrating on making the finest SAA possible.  A wise move, in my opinion.
As for the Richards Mason 1851 Navy conversions...  I have one too!  A few months back I sent an inquiry to USFA regarding them and received this reply;

"We made less than 50 of the Mason conversions, probably closer to 35, although it would be difficult to give you an exact number without quite a bit of research."

My conversion is pictured on the USFA web site under "Resources/Customers' Guns."
CJF

[Major 2]

They made an 1860 conversion ... at least a Shot Show prototype....

I own it 

[Chain-Fire]

Hello Capt. John,

Thanks for the response to my inquiry.  I saw your conversion (S/N 2049) on the USFA web site.  It made a really nice display along with the Shumate presentation case.  The serial number of my conversion is 2043.  So it makes sense that at least 7 conversions were produced.  And if they made 50, considering the possibility of serial numbers beginning at 2000, you may have the last one produced.  The caliber of my Navy conversion is 38 Special.  How about yours?

Both my USFA 1851 Navy and USFA Richards Mason 1851 Navy conversion revolvers are of the very highest quality.  And in my opinion, the fit and finish is superior to that of the Colt 2nd generation percussion models.

I have seen two USFA 1860 Armies and four USFA Third Model Dragoons.  All six guns were highly engraved by Dennis Kies.  They were all magnificent pieces.  However, I have never seen standard production models of any USFA percussion or conversion model other than the 1851 Navy.

Chain-Fire

[Chain-Fire]

Hello Major231,

Now that you mention it, I believe I saw a USFA 1860 Army conversion at the 2000 Shot Show in Atlanta.  Is your conversion a standard production model or is it engraved?  Is it for sale? 

Chain-Fire

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Chain Fire,
My conversion is .38 cal. as well.  When I purchased it, the dealer told me that USFA informed him that there were less than 40 made.  Looking at my serial number, I assumed he had made a mistake and that at least 50 were produced.  USFA says that it was closer to 35 so I guess my dealer was right.  The only other percussion guns I have ever seen, other than the '51 Navy and conversions, were in the early USFA catalogs.  I would guess that Major231's gun is VERY rare.
Just about all presentation cases display the gun pointing to the left.  When I ordered the presentation case from Bill Shumate (www.billscases.com) I had him make it pointing right to show off the conversion features.  By the way, Bill is a nice guy, does great work and delivers in a very timely manner.  I have purchased several presentation cases from him and I highly recommend him.
CJF

[Major 2]

From what I have been able to put together.....

My gun was a prototype for the 94 Shot Show,
Chain,  it is not engraved although the fit and finish is typical of USFA
and easlly on par with my three 2nd Gen's.
Action is as slick as it gets, Feels like a Smithed job....

S# is XX17 and aside from that on Frame, Barrel, Grip etc. the only marks is USPFA HARTFORD CT
Walnut grips, are oil finished and perfect fit.
Blue & case color are very nice...

I know is was in a collection of a fellow that collected many Originial CW carbines. Infact that collection was also for sale
an Evans, Merrill, Jenks, amoung others.
He told my FFL( where all this collection is on consignment) it was from a Shot Show Display in Vegas.

I just happen in to my FFL, and was hanging, as many of us do, and Richard (the FFL said "I got something you will want to see" )
You see I have a II model Richards on order from Cimmaron there.
He handed the 1860 Conversion to me...... I never handed it back.
I cut a trade, ( I'm still looking for the cops  ) of one NIB Uberti 1860 Army and 3 custom made Slim Jim holsters.

NOW, I find it may be a Rare gun.
I assumed  the S# was  X Thousand & 17, now it may be just the 17th. going by your
Serial # theroy....

an Email to USFA confirms it was a Shot Show prototype in either 93-94...
It is in mint condition , maybe unfired.
No,  I don't think I sell it, Having a hard time keeping from shooting it though !

Maybe I should case it

[Chain-Fire]

Hello Major231,

Thanks for the great information.

Don't shoot it.   

Case it.   

What is the caliber?  44Colt???

Chain-Fire

[drjldavis]

I have post this also in reply to collecting these revolvers.  I also have two USFA black powder revolvers you might be interested in knowing about. They are both U.S. Patent Firearms marked before Colt put the screws to them about the name.

1860 Army is marked:  Serial #5197

-ADDRESS U.S. PATENT HARTFORD CT. U.S. AMERICA - (Top Barrel) U.S. Patent (LtSd Frame)

1851 Navy is marked:  Serial #130988

-ADDRESS U.S. PATENT HARTFORD CT. U.S. AMERICA - (Top Barrel)

1860 Army has Stag Grips fitted in their custom shop. Have original box, papers, and original invoices. 1851 Navy came in original box, also with papers, and extra cylinder. Absolutely top quality, much much better than any Colt. I was at the first Shot Show when the, then, U.S. Patent Firearms introduced themselves with the most fantastic display of all the revolvers they proposed to make polished in the white. So perfectly polished that they appeared to be nickel plated.

I have not been able to get much information from USFA customer service about the black powder revolvers they did produce.  I would appreciate help in this area so the section on these revolvers in the book that the Replica Percussion Revolver Collector's Association (RPRCA) is researching will be accurate and complete.  Their web site is at:  http://rprca.tripod.com