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Colt 1861 Richards-Mason Conversion .38 RF

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Colt 1861 Richards-Mason Conversion .38 RF
SN: 886 Conversion of a percussion revolver to fire 38 caliber rimfire self contained cartridges. Work involves modification of cylinder and frame to allow fitting of a new breech ring with loading gate. Hammer nose has a firing pin riveted into left side, and an ejector rod is added. Slots in barrel for percussion loading lever are plugged. Rear sight at hammer nose is retained. Triggerguard/front strap is brass, back strap is iron. Bore is in good condition with strong rifling, pitting forming a ring around bore near muzzle. Charge holes are darkened from surface rust, few signs of tiny pits. Brass front strap has numerous small dents; some dark discoloration on right side and triggerguard bow. Iron parts show 50% dull dark brownish gray finish, with lighter gray bare metal visible many places, largest patches visible on cylinder, lower frame both sides, left side barrel near muzzle, backstrap. Metal is generally smooth with denting and pitting in many small areas. Action is good, operates properly with fairly good lockup. Little looseness between barrel and frame, cylinder has slight back-forth play. Ejector rod head bent slightly back. Markings visible on left frame "COLTS PATENT"; cylinder "PATENT No 886"; barrel "ADDRESS COL SAM COLT NEW YORK - NEW YORK US AMERICA"(barely legible). Numbered on frame and barrel "886"; front and back straps "133380". Smooth walnut grips are fair condition with repair to right side. Inspection cartouches on lower sides of grip are visible but not easily readable. Bottom left of grip stamped "PAP". Includes fair condition leather holster and belt: US 1911 holster with reinforcement at flap, missing wire hanger hook, added holes in flap; belt is about 48" long, 1" wide, appears to be a re-purposed leather tie-down strap. Condition is NRA Fair ***Antique Firearm***