The included factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber, barrel length, blue finish with brass trigger guard and wood grip. The letter states that the revolver was shipped to Kittredge & Folsom, New Orleans, Louisiana, on 9 April 1861 as a shipment of 50 guns. The date and shipping address undoubtedly indicates Confederate use (Colt's shipping of revolvers to the South at the outbreak of the Civil War has been a source of debate for years). This revolver is one of only about 4,000 Colt Model 1860 Army Revolvers manufactured with the full fluted cylinder. These revolvers appear in the first 8,000 serial numbers and have a four-screw frame with recoil shields cut for an attachable shoulder stock. Brass trigger guard and iron backstrap. The cylinder is stamped with the 1850 patent date and the full serial number, both markings are present in individual cylinder flutes. The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT." and "COLT'S / PATENT" is stamped on left side of the frame. Matching full serial number on the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard and backstrap, with the partial serial number "237" on the barrel wedge. Blade front and hammer notch rear sights, and fitted with a one piece smooth walnut grip.