Book Review - The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver by Charles W. Pate

Book Review - The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver by Charles W. Pate

In last week’s blog I talked of specialist reference books that a serous collector should have on his bookshelf, this is one of them!

If you are interested in buying original 1860 Army pistols, this 400 page A4 size book is the one to have. It will set you back £60 plus, but it is mine of knowledge. It covers the development, changes to and issue of the 1860 pistol along with its service during the Civil War. It is well illustrated but only with black and white photos and drawings, but don’t let this put you off it is book that will keep you coming back for more information.

It puts the pistol in its historical context with much for the historian to be interested in as well as the collector. The many of the figures involved in the pistols development and introduction into service have been researched along with related documents to give an understanding of the politics involved. This in-depth research also allows the author to identify specific pistols and to put them in the hands of their original users giving us a glimpse of the battles and service they have seen.

This is not a book for everyone and certainly not one of the first books to buy, but if you want a very in-depth knowledge of the Colt 1860 Army this is one to have.