Page 165 - 4093-BOOK2

LOT 1174
Cased Colt London Model 1851 Navy
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 5313,
36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut grips. This
revolver was manufactured in 1854
at Colt’s London factory but lacks
London proof and view marks on
the barrel and cylinder indicating
it was not submitted for proofing
as required by law. Aside from
the lack of these markings, the
revolver is a standard London
1851 Navy and features matching
visible serial numbers and comes
in a London fitted case with dark
blue velvet lining, a ball/bullet
mold, L-shaped combination tool,
two cap tins, balls and bullets,
and a bag shaped James Dixon &
Sons “COLT’S NAVY FLASK.” Others
without proof marks are also known as are revolvers assembled back in Hartford using parts left over
when the London factory closed. With this example dating to 1854, it is possible that the company
skipped the proofing process to get it into the hands of British officer serving in the Crimean War. There
was huge demand for Colt’s revolvers once the war broke out in the fall of 1853, and the sudden decline
in demand after the war’s end in early 1856 led to the closing of Colt’s London factory. In an included 1962 letter, that was one of W. Keith Neal’s theories. He also noted that export
shipments often evaded proofing and were not inspected, and he notes “I have come across other perfectly genuine examples of Colt’s Navy pistols of London pattern and made in London which have not been proved, but they
seem to have been those used or sent for use during the Indian Mutiny and have this background.” The Indian Mutiny of 1857-1859 came as Colt’s factory was shutting down, so it may be that some of these revolvers came back to
Hartford from the London factory unproven and then were sent out for use in India without going through London.
CONDITION: Very fine with smooth gray patina overall, traces of original finish, distinct markings, some minor pitting, and generally only light overall wear. The grip is fine and has some minor scratches and edge wear. Mechanically
fine. The case and accessories are all fine with mild age and storage related wear. Overall, a very interesting cased set.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1173
Very Scarce Colt Hartford-London Dragoon Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 667, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part octagon
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This is one of only 700 Colt English Dragoon revolvers manufactured between
1853 and 1857, with parts made at the Hartford factory and finished and assembled at Colt’s London factory. These London Dragoons are
among the rarest of the Colt “Horse Pistols” descended from the famous Colt Walker revolver. Of the 700 London Dragoons, it is estimated
that around 200 were returned to Hartford for use in the U.S. Civil War. “COLT’S/PATENT” marked on the left of the frame. The barrel and
cylinder have London proof and view marks. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY”
marked on the top flat. Matching serial numbers visible on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, wedge and cylinder.
CONDITION: Very good, exhibiting a mix of smooth gray and brown patina with some areas of scattered light pitting, and clear markings in the metal surfaces. Brass
triggerguard and backstrap show traces of original silver with the balance an attractive mustard yellow patina. Grip is good as period revarnished with general wear,
scattered scratches and dents, a minor chip on the forward bottom corner of the left panel, and a mild chipped/absent section on the forward bottom corner of the right
panel. Mechanically excellent. Professionally made modern replacement cylinder arbor pin.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
163