Conversion Revolvers
In 1871, Colt employee Charles Richards was awarded a patent for converting Colt percussion models to breech loading cartridge revolvers. The Richards cartridge conversion was an instant success. On July 2, 1872, William Mason, another Colt employee, was awarded a patent for an improvement to the Richards model. As percussion parts ran short, the 1860 Richards-Mason barrel was changed from the profile of the earlier percussion model, to the sleek profile found on the 1871-72 Open Top. Conversion models remained popular with cowboys (many originals will be found with imprints of fence staples on the butt) even after the introduction of the 1873 Colt®. This was due to the low cost of conversion models.
- 1851 RICHARDS MASON CONVERSION 7.5" .38 SPL. NICKEL WILD BILL HICKOK ENGRAVING$1,634.37
Out of stock - 1851 RICHARDS MASON CONVERSION 7.5" .38 SPL. CHARCOAL BLUE WILD BILL HICKOK ENGRAVING$1,396.07
Out of stock