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LOT 146
London Agency Cased Black Power Colt Single Action Army
Revolver in Scarce .455 Eley Caliber with Factory Letter - Serial no.
76717, 455 Eley cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured in 1882. This revolver is 1 of only 1,150 Single Action
Army Revolvers chambered for the .455 Eley cartridge. The top of the
barrel is marked with the Hartford and Pall Mall London addresses, the
left side of the frame is marked with the three line, three patent dates
and the upper left front of the trigger guard is marked “45 CAL/E”. The
bottom of the barrel is marked with a British crown proof ahead of the
cylinder pin and the rear of the cylinder is marked with alternating
British proofmarks between each chamber. Blade front and frame
notch rear sights, all nickel finish and fitted with a smooth one-piece
walnut grip. The revolver comes in a wooden London case with a brass
disk inset in the lid and red felt lining with Colt London label affixed
to the inside of the lid. The inside of the case has four compartments
and a 34 round bullet block. In the case is a nickel oiler, “L” shaped
screwdriver, metal cleaning rod and 16 .455 Eley brass casings. The
accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Colt’s
London Agency, London, England, on January 26, 1882 in .455 caliber
and nickel finish with barrel and type of stocks not listed, a common
indication for 7 1/2 inches and walnut.
CONDITION: Very fine. The revolver retains 85% plus original nickel
finish with some scattered minor flaking and blistering on the front
strap and outer edge of the ejector housing. The grip is fine with
much of the original varnish, some lower edge wear and scattered
minor dents, dings and scratches. The markings are crisp. Mechanically
excellent. The case is fine with dings and chips on the revarnished
exterior and some light contact wear on the fine lining with label.
Provenance: The Gateway Collection.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000
According to "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army" by Brown, only 1150 Colt Single Actions were produced in .455 Eley.
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