1862 Army I put an offer on

[AR. Hillbilly]

Today I put an offer on a 1862 Army serial number 62008.
I think they’re going to take the offer.
If so I’ll go get it tomorrow.
It looks decent and seems to work as it should.
The grips are in poor condition and missing the screw above the wedge.
All numbers appear to match except I can’t find a number on the cylinder.
Would you leave it as is?

[Marshal Will]

Sounds like a good find. Original is the best for a collectible piece. Replacing a missing screw falls under normal maintenance to keep it functioning and wouldn't affect the value unless you modify it to accept a non-standard screw. You can replace the grips for your own enjoyment but keep the old ones to go with it.

[AR. Hillbilly]

Marshal Will I thought it would be neat to change the grips but keep the old and the story they tell.
Fingers crossed that this works out.
The 1860 is my favorite and to have an original is a dream of a lifetime.

[Captainkirk]

Good luck! Hope you score this one!

[Zulch]

I am happy for you AR!! Let us know how it all works out

[Hawg]

Does it still say Colt's Patent on the cylinder? The number should be right behind it and match the serial number. Those numbers were usually stamped pretty deep. Colt's Patent deeper still. My guess is it's been buffed out at some point in it's life.

[AR. Hillbilly]

Hawg I can’t read anything on the cylinder. It actually appears to be in worse condition than the rest of the gun. None of it is in great condition but the cylinder is definitely worse. All other numbers and writing is very legible.
 Leads me to believe the cylinder may have been changed or buffed as you say.

[Zulch]

AR, did they accept your offer?

[AR. Hillbilly]

Zulch they took my offer and I now own it.
I’m very excited.
I’m gonna have lots of questions in the future.
Should the wedge have a serial number?
Took it apart when I got home and find no numbers/ letters on the cylinder.
Doesn’t seem to have a lot of cylinder to cone gap.
Wedge fits snug.
The cylinder isn’t in very good shape.

[G Dog]

It’s really kind of a big deal.  Guys don’t just get an original Colt everyday and a ‘60 to boot - can’t beat an original 1860.

Congratulations, AR

Talk about the cylinder.  What’s wrong with the cylinder?
I’ll bet the missing wedge screw can be replaced if you choose to do that.
The battle scene on many original Army/Navies seems to often get just nearly rubbed away.

[Marshal Will]

Outstanding, AR. That's the coolest one to have. Especially made in 1862. Congratulations!

[Hawg]

The battle scene on many original Army/Navies seems to often get just nearly rubbed away.

The battle scene yes but usually not the Colt's patent or serial number. Those markings are stamped pretty deep. IIRC the wedge has the last four digits of the serial number, same as the cylinder.

[AR. Hillbilly]

In the first post I wrote the wrong serial number.
The actual number is 68009.
The cylinder is very worn by n this. The teeth on the back barely engage.
It appears to have been squealed in a vise or something. One hole is very tight to get the loading lever plunger in as if it’s been flattened a little.
Absolutely no markings visible.
It doesn’t always rotate when cocked.

[Hawg]

What, no pics yet?

[AR. Hillbilly]

Pics when I get home Hawg