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LOT 1178
Outstanding British Proofed and Retailer Inscribed Colt Single
Action Army Frontier Six Shooter Revolver with British Leather Case and Factory Letter - Serial no. 108483, 44-40 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. This is an exceptional example of a retailer marked, cased black powder Colt Single Action Army Frontier Six Shooter revolver that was manufactured in 1885. The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish and is fitted with a one-piece varnished walnut grip. The ejector rod has the late, oval head, and the hammer spur has bordered knurling. The left side of the barrel is acid-etched “COLT. FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” in an oval panel. The British dealer’s name and address “COGSWELL & HARRISON/226 STRAND. LONDON” are engraved on either side of the top strap sight groove. London “Crown/V” and “Crown/GP” proof and inspection marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and above each chamber on the cylinder. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. in a single line. The underside of the barrel is stamped “44” between the British proof and inspection marks. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt “three-date/three-line” patent marking. The caliber designation “44CF” is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The assembly number “6282” is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. An “L” Colt inspection mark is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder, and “1” is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The serial number is stamped on the underside of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is complete with a British russet leather luggage style case with leather handle and brass plaque. The case is lined with red baize and has seven compartments and a leather covered, 32-round cartridge block. A large ornate “Cogswell & Harrison” dealer label is affixed to the inside of the lid. The case contains: (1) 32-live .44-40 cartridges, (2) ebony cleaning rod with brass tip, (3) Dixon & Sons oil bottle, (4) screw-driver with turned ebony handle and, (5) key. The included Colt factory letter confirms the caliber, barrel length and nickel finish with the type of stocks not listed. The revolver was part of a 12 gun shipment and was shipped to the Colt London Agency on August 20, 1885. British proofed and cased Colt Single Action revolvers are rare. CONDITION: Very fine overall, with 80% plus of the original nickel plated finish. The delicate acid-etched “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” panel is crisp. The nickel plating on the right side of the barrel, forward edges of the frame and grip straps have scattered flaking. All of the markings and serial numbers are extremely crisp. The grip is excellent and retains 95% of the original varnish finish with a few shallow handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is also very fine. The leather exterior shows only light handling wear. The original red baize lining is bright, clean and free from wear. The Cogswell & Harrison label is in nearly perfect condition. The accessories are all very good. This is a very fine example of a rare documented London proofed, retailer marked, British cased Black powder Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action revolver. Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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