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LOT 178
Spectacular Colt London Agency Cased Colt New Line .38 Spur Trigger Revolver
with Rare and Desirable 4 Inch Barrel - Serial no. 8965, 38 CF cal., 4 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured in 1878 as a Second Model with
standard features as well as the scarce and desirable 4 inch barrel and a loading gate. It is
unclear exactly how many of these 4 inch barrel New Line .38 revolvers were made, but it
is very clear that they are far more scarce than the standard barrel lengths, especially in such
outstanding condition like this example. The standard two-line address is on top of the barrel,
the desirable “COLT NEW 38” in an etched panel on the left, patent date on the bottom under the
cylinder pin, British proofs on the lower left, and serial number on the lower right near the muzzle. The
left side of the frame is marked “38CAL C” and the serial number is marked on the left of the grip frame. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, frame top groove rear sight, and a pair of smooth rosewood grips. Includes a very attractive oak presentation case with Colt London Agency interior label, cleaning rod, keys, and a selection of Eley .380 CF cartridges.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, retains 98% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish and 99% of the vibrant original case colors with some very light edge wear and light cylinder rotation marks, and the etched panel remaining incredibly crisp. 95% plus of the bright niter blue remains on the small parts. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks, nice figure, and retaining almost all of the varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is also excellent with some scattered light handling/storage marks. This outstanding Colt New Line .38 with a rare 4 inch barrel would be almost impossible to improve upon!
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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