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LOT 1305
Cased Inscribed London Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver
with Accessories - Serial no. 5354, 31 cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. These London Colt Model 1849 revolvers were manufactured from 1853 to 1857
and serial numbered in their own range, 1-11000. The London Model is identical in configuration to the standard
1849 having a higher quality of finish. The top barrel flat is marked “-{ADDRESS COL. COLT./LONDON}-” inside fancy brackets, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the
frame and the cylinder is roll engraved with the stagecoach holdup scene. The left
side of the barrel lug is marked with “crown/V” and “crown/GP” proof marks and the
same proof marks alternate on the cylinder between the nipples. The back strap is
inscribed “J. G Perry”. The complete serial number is marked on the barrel, frame,
trigger guard, cylinder, loading lever and back strap. The partial serial number “354”
is restamped on the wedge. Casehardened frame and loading lever, silver plated
brass trigger guard and back strap, and blue on the remaining surfaces. Fitted with
a smooth one piece walnut grips. Complete in a varnished oak case with a inset
brass plaque on the outside of the lid, red velvet lining and Colt “Directions” sheet affixed to the inside of the lid. The accessories include an “L” shaped nipple wrench/screwdriver, iron two cavity bullet mold marked “COLTS/PATENT” on the sprue cutter, an Eley Bros. 250 count cap tin, and a brown lacquer finished James Dixon bag shaped flask.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel retains 70% of the original bright finish with scattered areas of flaking, minor pitting on the right side muzzle
end and smooth brown in the exposed areas. The cylinder has 30% scattered original finish and crisp cylinder scene. The loading lever and frame retain 75% of the bright original case colors while the hammer is now a smooth gray. The trigger guard and back strap retain 95% of the original silver plating with scattered minor flaking mostly on the back strap around the inscription. The exposed brass has an aged patina. The grips are also very fine with some minor wear on the bottoms and a few minor dings. The markings are clear. Mechanically
excellent. The case is very good with a few dings and scratches. The correct original lid
label is fully intact and there is heavy wear in the lining at the front sight. The top of one
partition is broken. The accessories are fine or better.
Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 1306
Attractive Cased Colt Model 1855 Pocket “Root” Percussion Revolver - Serial
no. 26109, 28 cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This revolver is a “Model 3” variant manufactured right near the end of production of the .28 caliber “Root” revolvers in 1861. By that time, production had shifted to the newer .31 caliber variation. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and the two-line, two-block address and patent markings with Maltese crosses. The revolver features a full-fluted cylinder with the patent marking in one flute and the matching serial number on the barrel and butt. It comes in a fitted case with a screwdriver, cap tin, a few balls, pocket flask, and ball/bullet mold with sprue cutter.
CONDITION: Fine. The frame retains 70% of the bright original high polish blue finish and has fading mainly along the bottom and the back strap. The cylinder retains 40% original blue, and the barrel has mostly faded to a smooth brown patina. The hammer and loading lever have flashes of bright original case colors. The grip is very fine and has some dings and scratches, mild lower edge wear, and most of the varnish remaining. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are also fine and have mild age and storage related wear, including heavy fading on the lining, some contact wear, staining, and dings and scratches. This is a very attractive cased set. These Model 1855 Pockets are very distinctive Colt revolvers as the only solid frame percussion revolving handguns manufactured by Colt.
Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection.
232 Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500