This is a nice looking Civil War weapon! It is an original model 1861 Colt revolver. When you look at the gun it looks very similar to the model 1860 revolver of the .44 caliber size. These model 1861 are slightly smaller all the way around and they fire the .36 caliber bullet. The gun has all matching serial numbers including the wedge. The serial numbers are all matching at 18,862 and thanks to Mr. Colt's bookkeepers we know that it would have been made in 1864. They started production that year at about 17,000, so we know this one would have been made earlier in the year. This was the fourth year of production for this pattern of revolver. The top of the full-length 7.5 inch barrel has the maker's mark that reads "ADDRESS COL. SAMl COLT NEW- YORK U.S. AMERICA". These guns were manufactured in Hartford, Connecticut with their sales office being in New York City. The side of the frame has the clear "COLTS PATENT" stamping and you can still read the serial number on the side of the cylinder. There is about 65% of the cylinder scene still visible. The handle of the gun still has a nice set of original 1-piece walnut wood grips intact. The grips have a very pleasing tone all over. The shoulder of the triggerguard still has the "36 CAL" stamping still visible denoting the barrel bore size of .36 caliber. The action works well on all positions. This is a very nice displaying Colt revolver with early 1864 production serial numbers.