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Centaure Richards Transitional
Conversion # Colt 1860 Transitional
Richards # What is a
Colt Richards II? # Project
Outline # The Shock of
March 29, 2011 # Is there Light at the End of the
Tunnel? |
The Colt 1860 Transitional Richards
or Richards II (R2) as some call this “improved” Richards conversion is the
rarest of the Hartford factory conversions. Their
total number produced is estimated today at probably less than 1000 specimens.
If you add to this equation that the survival rate of period guns was only 10
to 15 % but that Colt breech loading Army conversion pistols saw extensive military
use not only through the 1880s at the Western frontier and later again during
the skirmishes of the Mexican revolution between 1910 and 1929 it does not come
as a surprise at all that well maintained R2s demand very high prices at
auctions.
But if Originals hit the market at all they are usually in a used to
molested condition.
This might be an explanation why my good friends from Gardone/Italy decided to market 2006 a replica of the
Richards Transitional instead of the more common Richards … and they are less
costly in the making.
What is a Colt
Richards II? In essence the barrel assembly of the Richards (R1) combined with
frame, cylinder and conversion ring of the later Richards-Mason (RM). This
model was launched during the 1870s after some 9000 Richards Army conversions
were completed. Although the US Army was happy with the latter breech loaders Colt’s found them too expensive in the
making! Hence they incorporated these afore mentioned short cuts in the
production and could make further use of their stock of old Army C&B parts.
While some of the Richards had reworked C&B cylinders, all Richards II had
newly lathed cartridge cylinders installed which have the rear segment
strengthened. This R2 program led to the even more advanced RM conversion once
the inventory of C&B barrels in Hartford was exhausted!
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Colt Richards Transitional Model |
RNMA #6981 1st
variation, 3rd sub-variation from 1966 |
Thanks to Austrian master gunsmith Karl Nedbal Centaure Richards (R1)
and Richards+Mason (RM) chambered for the modern .44
Colt cartridge are reality by now. On the other hand, a Centaure R2 would
bridge the evolutionary gap between R1 and RM within the family of Hartford made
Colt Army type conversions.
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My
2003 Uberti Richards 2 #X04444 before installation
of the PC long ejector rod |
Therefore, I had to have one to complete my
collection of Centaure conversions and a respectful “Good bye “ to my Uberti Richards Transitional (left picture). “you served me well but I like the PC proportions of my
Centaure conversions better!” |
After the experience FROCS #50 Luger Master aka Karl Nedbal had gathered
with the previous Centaure Richards and the Richards-Mason conversions this was
going to be a straight forward Centaure conversion. This time Nedbal converted his
RNMA #6981 for me.
The
project was kicked-off July 18, 2010, right after the 1st European
FROCS & Centaure meeting. We agreed on a completion date around the end of
March 2011. Because at that time some business trip was
scheduled to Vienna.
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It will not be necessary to discuss details of her making. This is
already covered in the subject chapters on the Centaure Richards (barrel
assembly) and the Richards-Mason (frame/cylinder/conversion ring assembly). But
I like to share one piece of specific information with you, namely the labor time
incurred for this conversion. It added up to an amazing 40 working hours!
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Right side view of #6981 |
As anticipated in mid 2010 the day of truth was to be March 29, 2011
when I took possession of this last piece of Karl’s conversion art.
The Shock of
March 29, 2011: Yes, pards & pardettes,
you got that right I am afraid. This Nedbal Centaure Richards Transitional Model
is the last conversion that the master completed!
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Left side view of #6981 |
Why the last one? Because Karl will not accept any more new orders for conversions
or any other sizable gun projects. Because he will close his shop during the
next few weeks once the last orders on hand of his clients like repair jobs etc.
are done. Because Mr. Nedbal retired at the age of 65 in
April 2011.
While this sad news is sinking in please, take a closer look at the finer
details of this Centaure conversion.
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Note
new firing pin on hammer & outside gate spring |
Original barrel marking maintained |
A legend in his time, a great European artist of traditional and
innovative gunsmithing, renowned Colt and Winchester
collector who has in the tips of his magic fingers more about restoring,
repairing and tuning of originals and clones alike than many of the so called
specialists. The genius who made small series of .45
ACP Lugers from scratch to add another perspective. Karl is tired and steps
down as a gunsmith at his terms. So much for the bad news.
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Close-up
of the loading gate area: note serial number on loading gate |
Liège
proof house marks are maintained. Note domed screw heads and 44 CAL on trigger-guard |
Is there Light
at the End of the Tunnel? Although Karl is closing his shop in Ortsstraße 189, 2331 Vösendorf/Austria
and is selling his heavy equipment, he is moving many of his tools and some of
his machinery to a new, smaller place in the attic of his house. His missus
Christa confided into me that he bought selected modern, smaller equipment.
This he is planning to use for tinkering his other love, old steam engine models…
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Frame & conversion ring with newly lathed arbor |
Breech side view of the newly
lathed conversion cylinder with Vienna proof marks |
However, it occurred to me that some of the machinery he keeps and
bought new has no use for working steam engines. My gut feeling tells me that
he cannot sit in his new shop brooding over issues of old steam engines. Good
ole Karl will soon be back doing some gun repairs and restorations eventually,
possibly some gun building as well … at his own pace … for a few selected clients…I
hope. So, this conversion artist might be back, the sooner the better. Let’s triple
X fingers!
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More
than sufficient accuracy at typical CAS distances and for relaxed bulls eye
shooting with my preferred 200 grainers over nitro loads |
And finally, what do you think of below trio of Nedbal Centaure
conversions? They all have “Richards” in their names and represent the
evolution of the Colt Army factory conversions.
Nedbal Centaure Conversions proudly
displayed on the Austrian flag (top to bottom): Richards #4079,
Richards Transitional #6981, Richards-Mason #6176
WDN/November 18, 2011
© 2007-11 Wolf D. Niederastroth