Collectors consider this a direct-line descendant from the original
Civil War era .44 caliber, 1860 Colt. They feel these are more authentic
than the 2nd and 3rd generation Colts, finished by Colt.
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. 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 reproductions for re-enactors 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 New Army.
This 1860/1960 NEW MODEL ARMY is
mechanically perfect and the finish is in GOOD CONDITION. The bore
appears as new, BRIGHT AND SHINY. The action is the most positive I
have ever encountered and it locks up tight. This gun is serial number
(540). It has 2 main features: First and importantly is the fact that
the cylinder has no engraving, this is a rarity as it was suppose to be
engraved. Secondly the Centaur Logo was not applied until after 1961.
These features make this a very collectable Colt variation. It has 90% +
original finish.
This is the MILITARY MODEL. The frame, hammer,
and loading leaver are color case hardened. If you are a collector of
the original 1860 Colt Army, this an important part of the story.
