z Sold RARE The REAL 2nd Generation Civilian model COLT serial number (C1)

Very RARE highly collectable Belgium made CIVILIAN model COLT serial number (C1) (C1) means it was the first civilian model produce in 1960.  Collectors consider this a direct-line descendant from the original Civil War era .44 caliber, 1860 Colt. They feel these are more authentic in that this was the 1st production of the 1860 Colt Army since the originals used in the Civil War.  In 1853 Samuel Colt traveled overseas and licensed Belgian gun manufacturers to produce his revolvers. Then one hundred years later, these companies regrouped and began producing this six shooter with modern steel. Others have copied and followed since then including the so called 2nd and 3rd generation percussion 1860 Army. The new pistols were marketed as 1960 New Model Army and were stamped Made in Belgium. At that time the upcoming centennial of the American Civil War, and no safe usable arm was available for reenactors, that all pointed to an obvious need. There to answer that need were two important ingredients, original Colt equipment waiting silently in Belgium for nearly a century and a young man by the name of William B. Edwards. Edwards was one of the principals of Centennial Arms Corp. of Chicago. Edwards realized there was a ready market for a second issue of the Colt Army. Edwards entrusted Fabriques de Armes Unies de Li_ge in Belgium with the production of the 1860 dubbed, the1960 NEW MODEL ARMY. This 1960 NMA  is mechanically perfect, the finish is MINT. The bore is mint UNFIRED. The action positive and locks up tight. This gun is serial number (C1). The (C) stands for CIVILIAN MODEL. The back strap and trigger guard are SILVER PLATED and show only very light tarnish, I will leave that for you to polish if you like.  The the frame, hammer, and loading leaver are color case hardened. I believe this gun has never been fired. It shows marks such as, made in Belgium on the butt, and on the top of the barrel  “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY”.    To learn more about this gun go to: www.1960nma.org