1860 Colt

[Capt, Woodrow F. Call]

Howdy.

I think i gone bet on this gun, but before i do that, i would like to hear what you have to say about this gun.

Is the prize good or bad, or can i shoot with it.  7500.- NOK   is between 1000.1200$ US

Here is a website to Norwegian auction site.

http://www.qxl.no/accdb/viewitem.asp?AuctionNr=546986154&Catg=11592&ListingType=0&ListingSort=1&LanguageNr=0&PageNum=1
Just klick on the gun picture, then 1,2,3,4,5 for better wiew
BR
Capt: Call

[Deadeye Don]

An original Colt 1860 army for a little over $1000.00 with a serial number that places it around 1863?   Well there are a couple of things I would ask about its condition.  Are the mechanics good?  (Does it work) and what does the bore look like.  Also it is hard to tell what shape the nipples are in from the pictures.   The exterior metal looks pretty pitted to me.  That may give you a clue as to what kind of shape the bore is in.  The grips look like they are in good shape assuming they are original also.  I would check to make sure the serial numbers match up on all the parts.  Since I dont read Norwegian??,  some of this information may be in the description already.

As far as the price goes,  that is a pretty low price for an 1863 issue 1860 model colt.  But before I bought it I would want more information.  It may turn out to be a wall hanger more than a shooter.

[St. George]

The overall condition of the weapon would suggest that it'd prove to be more of a 'relic' than a 'shooter'.

The grips look to be replacements - since the pitting would suggest damage to the originals, and if it's that obvious on the exterior - what must the interior look like?

Without actual examination, a real assessment of value is difficult.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Capt, Woodrow F. Call]

Thank's.

I will try to translate what the seller has written:

Her er en ekte Colt 44 caliber army model 1860. Denne har serienummer 86 685 og er laget i borgerkrigsåret 1862. Denne er "military contract" med uthakk for kolbe. Den har army inspector merker også, så denne har nok sett litt action. Ellers fremstår den i noe sliten stand. Grepene er pusset eller byttet. Det er bra spor av gammel pitting som er pusset over. Den er så langt jeg kan se nummerlik. Skriften synes fortsatt på løpet " adress saml colt new york us america" Den fungerer helt fint mekanisk. Og det er "the real deal Colt 44."

Here is a real Colt 44 cal army model 1860, with serial nr xxxxxxxxx and was made in 1862, this is a militaria contract, wich you can put on a shoulderstock on. Army Inspector mark, and has possible seen some action.
Other, it is little tired condition. The grips are mabye original, or they have been fixed up, there is a pitting how has been fixed up, and so fare i can see it has a nr like. The words on the barrel is readable, mekanic it works fine, but the fit between barrel and frame is little loose.

As you say'd, it mabye be a relic, but with the real proper work from a specialist it mabye turn out good, i will take a tripp to Oslo, and look at it, it is better that way, i mabye bying cat in the dark room, if i don't see it first.

Many Thanks Pal's

BR
Call

[Deadeye Don]

If you can see the gun in person then by all means do it.  That is the best way to tell if it worth the money to you.  I still would not count on that gun being in shooting condition or that it could even be brought up  to shooting condition.  Let us know what you decide.

[St. George]

I reviewed the photos again.

By the time you've located someone who could do 'restoration' work - as opposed to merely refinishing the weapon - you'll have spent enough to have bought a much nicer original.

A 'restored' piece is still a 'refinished' piece and no matter who does the restoration - it's always going to be of lesser value than a weapon with it's original and un-touched finish - though you'll pay through the nose for the work...

All traces of pitting would have to be removed before the lettering could be re-cut by hand - and finding someone to re-case-color the frame, hammer and loading lever properly isn't the easiest of things.

If you'd like a 'real' Colt to shoot - look for a modern Second Generation Model 1860 Army, and not one of the 'Signature Series' varieties.

When Colt re-issued the Second Generation revolvers, they re-started the serial numbers at the end of the 19th Century's production line and they'll 'Letter' to the Colt Factory.

The 'Signature Series' will not.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Capt, Woodrow F. Call]

Howdy.

I have not seen it yet, but my stomac say's i shuld stay away from this gun, it is not easy , this guns is rear in Norway.
Mabye it's better to bay me a ticket and take a vecation to my family in Idaho and look for some guns there

I have one contakt in Idaho, Coeur'd Alene, Spokane Valey ( Antique Gun Shoppe) and military items, Glen E. Mattox.
Mabye you now him.

There was another one north for Spokane river, i think his name was Bob or Robert, don.t recall, he too had plenty of old western guns for sale.

Do you have some addr i can visit, if i take the trip over this year.

BR.Call.

[Capt, Woodrow F. Call]

I found he's website 

http://antiquegunshoppe.com/Default.aspx