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LOT 185
Rare Von Oppen Marked London Proofed and Cased Colt Model 1860 Army Richards Conversion Revolver - Serial no. 198459, 44 Colt CF cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/ silver finish, varnished walnut grips. This is a rare London proofed and shipped Richards conversion revolver complete with a Colt London Agency case with a cleaning rod, James Dixon & Sons oiler, L-shaped combination tool, and large cartridge block for ammunition (ammunition pictured
for artistic purposes, not included).
At the time of publication, according
to Bruce McDowell in “A Study of Colt
Conversions...” on pages 188-189,
experts “could only account for two
authentic casings of Von Oppen marked
1860 Richards conversions. Both are in private collections, and in typical London-
marked oak cases with cartridge boxes.” A case matching the present example is
shown. This revolver has Von Oppen’s mark on the trigger guard. Baron Friedrich Von
Oppen was married to Colt’s alleged former mistress and sister-in-law and served as
his agent in Europe and as a manager of Colt’s London Agency. Approximately 9,000
Richards conversion Model 1860 Army revolvers were manufactured circa 1871-1878
based on designs patented by Charles Brinckerhoff Richards (1835-1919) on July 25th,
1871. Very few of them appear to have “crossed the pond” to the United Kingdom, but
they are believed to have seen significant use in the Old West. Richards was also one of
the main designers of the Colt Single Action Army which was manufactured alongside
the Richards conversions. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped “-ADDRESS COL. SAML
COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-” in one line. The percussion era style “COLTS/PATENT”
marking is on the left side of the frame while some examples have the 1871 and
1872 patent marking. The cylinder has the classic naval battle roll scene. The barrel
has a blade front sight, and a notch rear sight is on the breech plate. Matching serial
numbers are visible on the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The
assembly number “4556” is on the loading gate. The barrel, cylinder, and back strap
are finished in blue. The frame, recoil shield, loading gate, and hammer are brilliantly
casehardened. The trigger guard is silver plated and has the Rampant Colt trademark
on the right and “44 CAL” on the left, and the grip is varnished walnut.
CONDITION: Fine with 60% plus original blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, and back strap; traces of original case colors, 30% original silver plating, aged patina on the exposed brass, mostly gray and brown patina on the balance, some patches of minor oxidation, and generally mild overall wear. The slightly undersized grip is also fine and has most of the high polish “piano” varnish remaining, mild edge wear, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The case is also fine with mild age and storage related wear including some small portions absent from the lower right of the
label, minor stains and fading on the lining, and some scratches and dings on the exterior.
Overall, a very attractive and scarce London Agency cased Colt Model 1860 Army Richards
Conversion revolver.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
LOT 186
Cased Colt ‘London-London’ Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver - Serial no.
15783, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Manufactured at Colt’s London factory in 1855 and featuring a brass cone front sight, “-ADDRESS COL. COLT LONDON-” on the top of the barrel, London proof and view marks on the left side of the barrel and on the cylinder, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the frame, small “7” markings on the iron grip straps and cylinder, and all matching serial numbers. It comes in an English fitted hardwood case with loading and cleaning directions label inside the lid, cleaning rod, several bullets/balls, Colt patent dual cavity bullet mold, L-shaped combination tool, oiler, Eley cap tin, key, and “FRARY, BENHAM & CO.” powder flask. CONDITION: Very good plus with 80% original silver plating on the trigger guard, 20% original blue on the barrel, mottled gray and brown patina on the balance, some mild pitting, most of the cylinder safety pins remaining, and general moderate wear. The grip
is also very good and has moderate edge and handling wear, small dings and scratches, and fairly strong varnish. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are very good with moderate wear.
190 Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000