Added new grips to my 1860 Richards Transition model

[sfc rick]

I know, I know........ I just can not help leaving things alone. I couldn't stand having this 1860 Army (Richards Transition model) be the only revolver in my safe with out new grips...soooo

[Abilene]

Nice.  Looks like Buffalo Brothers grips?

[sfc rick]

Nice.  Looks like Buffalo Brothers grips?

Yep, 

[Fox Creek Kid]

What's with the 1871 mark above the wedge? 

[Major 2]

Looks good.... that is some honest age on the leather background makes for a very interesting photo

[sfc rick]

What's with the 1871 mark above the wedge? 

The bigger question should be....why does a 1860 Army frame have both Colt Patent dates of 1871 and 1872? But I understand noticing the bigger barrel stamp 1871. And quite frankly don't have an answer to your question. Maybe someone who knows can shed some light on these simple questions some of us have.

[Abilene]

A lot of the OT's and conversions from Uberti have that 1871 on the barrel.  Wasn't always there, but they added it several years back.  Not sure, but I heard it had something to do with a marking requirement for import.

As for the patent dates, I believe the guns were converted at about that time frame and those markings were on some of the originals.  Try looking at some pics of originals and I think you will see those.

[Graveyard Jack]

The two line patent date markings are correct for the Richards Type II conversion, as well as the Richards-Mason conversion.

[Fox Creek Kid]

The two line patent date markings are correct for the Richards Type II conversion, as well as the Richards-Mason conversion.

They most certainly are AND on approx. the first 20 or so SAA's made.