Models and Variations |
FAUL produced a great number of variations of the basic Colt Army M 1860, even more than Colt’s. Reasons seem to be their desire to reproduce all major known Colt models but also the ambition to have proprietary FAUL variations combined with the desire to use of existing stock of inventory. For a better understanding of the models plus variations made between 1959 and 1973 it is suggested to use primarily barrel length and secondarily selected frame features to determine the 4 basic models. Different cylinder types (rebated vs. fluted), legends (with or without ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843) and markings between the cylinder scenes (NEW MODEL 44, or COLTS PATENT N° plus S/N, or CENTENNIAL) as well as various below mentioned barrel markings shall define variations of the 4 models.
1st model or regular New Model Army: this version with 8“ barrel, 3-screw frame cut for shoulder stock in recoil shield and back strap and serial numbers without prefix shall be termed regular New Model Army. They are the type of pistols most often observed but some variations were available in Europe only or the USA.
* 1st variation: pistols with rebated, plain cylinders were the first variation made in 1959 and were regularly available throughout the production. There are only a few in the USA but represent the majority of pistols found in Europe. They have the normal blue/case hardened (B/CCH) finish. Three different barrel markings are known today, namely.
"1960 NEW MODEL ARMY"
"1960 NEW MODEL ARMY" CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK
CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK "1960 NEW MODEL ARMY"
Lowest serial known is 38, the highest confirmed is 51971.
* 2nd variation:this one with the proprietary Centaure naval scene without legend ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843 is found in the USA but was not yet discovered in Europe. The Centaure naval scene is similar to the Colt-type but has less background detail. Marking between the scene is NEW MODEL 44. Only one barrel marking has been found:
"1960 NEW MODEL ARMY" CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK
followed sometimes by CHICAGO U.S.A. (for US importer Centennial Arms Corporation, Chicago).
Lowest serial included in the survey is 1332 and highest 2538. S/N 2538 is profusely engraved in Colt-style with high quality blue/CCH finish. A job nicely executed, possibly done in the USA.
In Europe pistols with the rebated, plain cylinder could be ordered with an extra cylinder featuring this Centaure naval scene. The serial number of the extra cylinder does not match the one of the pistol, however.
* 3rd variation: Centaure pistols with a Colt-type naval scene roll engraved into the cylinder, plus the legend ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843 on the edge close to the front of the cylinder have only been reported from the USA so far. This naval engagement scene is the same as used on the Colt Models 1851, 1860 and 1861 Navy revolvers.
3.1 - 1st sub-variation: in models up to around serial number 2000 the marking COLTS PATENT Nº, followed by the serial number appears between the cylinder scene ends. The barrel marking of this variation reads
"1960 NEW MODEL ARMY"
The only serial number known is 1423.
3.2 - 2nd sub-variation: in later models the serial number on the cylinder was moved to the breech-side and the marking between the scene changed to CENTENNIAL. Two types of barrel markings are known
“1960 NEW MODEL ARMY" CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK
CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK "1960 NEW MODEL ARMY"
Lowest serial confirmed is 2999, highest 18408.
* 4th variation: Centaures with the fully fluted cylinder in the traditional blue/case colored finish are very rare. The barrel shows the marking
CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY”
4.1 - 1st sub-variation: of the 3-screw frame version only serials documented so far are 11783 and 12348 reported from Germany.
4.2. – 2nd sub-variation: the 1972 catalog of the Werner Withum company in Kreßbronn/Germany features a 4-screw frame version. The 4th screw is flush with the frame. No specimen has been reported in the survey yet. Pistol in the catalog has the centaur medallion inlaid into the grip
5th variation: of Centaures with rebated plain cylinders, finished in high gloss polish/”in the white” (stainless look), no barrel marking only specimen S/N 6759 has been discovered. This might be a prototype as no barrel marking and logo is present.
* 6th variation: Belgians with fully fluted cylinder, finished in high gloss polish/”in the white” (stainless look) were not discovered in the USA and a few only in Europe. They are observed from 1972. To protect these pistols from rust the surface is specially heat-treated. Barrel markings found are
CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY”
“1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
Serials currently documented are 11891 (lowest) and 14226 (highest).
* 7th variation: similarly rare are stainless steel versions that have surfaced in Europe and the USA, manufactured during 1972. Like the afore mentioned variation they sport fluted cylinders. The marking
CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK "1960 NEW MODEL ARMY"
is found on the barrel. The lowest serial confirmed is 12307 and the highest 12924.
2nd model or Civilian Model: of the 8” barrel NMAs exists only one model in 3-screw frame configuration without cuts for shoulder stock in the recoil shield and the toe of the back-strap. It is named Civilian Model. This is an important but rare and early variation with ”C“ prefix (“C” for Civilian Model) before the serial. It is also called “C-series” model. These models were manufactured from the end of 1960 in a separate block of serial numbers beginning with C1. Lowest serial in this survey is C46, highest documented is C931. It is assumed that only about 1000 were made. Only blued/case colored finish was available with silver plated trigger-guard and back-strap. The cylinder bears the proprietary Centaure naval scene.
2.1- 1st sub-variation: about the first 490 of the guns have cylinders with the legend ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843 and the marking NEW MODEL 44 between the scene end.
2.2 2nd sub-variation:the story goes that the legend ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843 was omitted after the first 500 pistols (C493 does not have the marking) at the suggestion of the Ohio Gun Collectors Association to inhibit possible use of these cylinders in fakery. The barrel marking reads
“1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
3rd model or Cavalry Model: Only one NMA model has been encountered with 7,5“ barrel combined with a 4-screw frame dubbed Cavalry Model in Europe: fluted cylinder, 4-screw frames. The 4th screw or stud rather functions to stabilize the shoulder-stock. This stock was a regular accessory with its serial in the butt plate matching the pistol. Yoke and butt plate were made of brass. Probably only a thousand were manufactured from 1960 in a separate block of serials with an “F”-prefix (“F” for fluted cylinder, hence also called “F-series” pistol) starting with F1. Marketing started only in 1961. The lowest documented revolver in this survey is F7 and the highest F845. The only finish available was the standard blue with case color hardening. This model owes its being to the USA’s National Rifle Association’s efforts in amending existing outmoded laws regarding stocked pistols. Cavalry Models with original stock can be considered collectors’ items. Barrel marking
“1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
It is unknown if these pistols ever left the Belgian factory without the stock.
4th model or Marshal Model: 5,5“ barrels without barrel marking. Fluted cylinders, recoil shield and back-strap cut for shoulder stock and a high gloss polish/”in the white” finish are standard. During the 1860s no 1860 Army ever left the Colt factory with a barrel shorter than 6,5” but this Marshal is an easy handling quick draw six gun for black powder cowboy shooting!
* 4.1 - 1st variation: 3-screw frames are regular, with the lowest S/N documented being 11294 and the highest 14945
* 4.2 - 2nd variation: 4-screw frames are very rare. Contrary to the Cavalry Model the 4th screw here has a flat head without further function. Only one specimen with S/N 11282 is documented in this survey.
Factory engraved and other exotic pistols: According to one of the principal German importers of Centaure pistols from the late 1960s master engraver J. Hensel of Rothenburger Waffeneck many more pistols were engraved outside the factory by him than there are known and confirmed factory engraved specimens. According to German dealer catalogs of 1971 to 73 FAUL offered the regular NMA with the plain rebated cylinder factory engraved in the de Luxe, Super de Luxe and Presentation Models. In addition the factory was prepared to have pistols engraved in the style required by the individual customer. No factory engraved pistols have been discovered produced before 1970.
* The de Luxe model came “in the white” finish with Colt-style floral hand engraving. Pistols were selected quality but taken from regular production after proof testing. They could be had in regular NMA and Marshal configuration.The latter had the rebated plain cylinder like the long barreled brother, not the fluted one of the not engraved models. S/Ns are between 11851 and 13839. Oiled grips were standard with or without inlaid centaur medallion. In 1972 and 1973 this one would set you back DM 658,00 at your friendly local gun dealer in Germany. (see page 5 Stanglmeier ad)
* Super de Luxe had a deep blue finish and silver or gold inlaid engraving. They were made at FAULs to order only with specially tuned and polished action. Your German gun dealer would ask DM 1698,00 for this specimen in 1973.
* There is this story that FAUL had every 1000th pistol enhanced with months and months of work profusely engraved and gold inlaid in a quality even surpasing the Supe deLuxe Model. These very rare revolvers dubbed Presentation Model were further enhanced by ivory grips. They could be purchased directly fron the factory in Liege but in Germany also from dealer Stanglmeier in Munich. Price then was DM 2198,00 for such a gem. One such specimen is S/N 14000.
* There is pictorial proof of one deeply engraved specimen with 8” barrel and rebated cylinder, fitting shoulder stock with engraved yoke and butt plate matching the gun in German DWJ magazine from 1971.
* Cut-away specimen of the 8” barrel, rebated/plain cylinder, 3-screw frame cut for stock in the regular blue/case colored finish configuration are documented.
WDN 01.03.2008
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