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LOT 108
London Retailer Engraved Colt London Agency Black
Powder Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter
- Serial no. 44531, 45 Eley cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut grips. The included factory letter states
the revolver was shipped on April 4, 1878 to Colt’s Patent Fire-Arms Mfg.
Company, London Agency, London England, with blue finish, 45 Eley,
barrel length not listed, “Special Notation” “Short Barrel”, type of stocks
not listed. The top of the barrel has the Pall Mall London address, the left side
of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking, and the left side of the
trigger guard is marked “45 CAL/B.” The London retailer marking is engraved on
the back strap: “COGSWELL & HARRISON/142. NEW BOND ST. LONDON.” British
proofs are present on the barrel and cylinder. The ejector rod has a bulls eye
head. Matching serial numbers are
on the frame, trigger guard, back
strap, cylinder and barrel.
CONDITION: Very good plus. The
grip straps retain 70% original
blue finish and generous traces of
original case colors and blue finish
remain in the protected areas of the
remaining surfaces, otherwise the
revolver has a mottled gray patina.
The grip is fine with minor handling
marks, some high edge wear and
most of the original varnish remaining.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 109
Scarce Colt London Agency
Marked Model 1878 Double
Action Revolver with
Holster - Serial no. 13865,
45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2
inch round bbl., blue
finish, hard rubber grips.
Manufactured in 1885,
this solid representative
example of a Colt
Model 1878 revolver
was produced for Colt’s
London Agency. Designed by
William Mason and Charles Brinckerhoff, Colt’s factory manager and Superintendent of Engineering, the
Model 1878 revolver was intended to be a double action alternative to Colt’s legendary Single Action Army revolver.
With 51,210 being produced, the 1878 was never nearly as popular as its single action cousin; however, there were
still many that favored it in the West for its firepower, including Captain Jack Crawford, who replaced Buffalo Bill Cody
as “Chief of Scouts” shortly after the Battle of Little Bighorn. The top of the barrel is marked with the very scarce one-
line Colt Depot 14 Pall Mall London address. There are British proofs on the bottom of the barrel and on the cylinder
between each chamber. The caliber marking is on the left of the trigger guard and the serial number is marked on
the butt. It is fitted with standard sights, a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops, and a
lanyard swivel on the butt. Includes an unmarked leather holster.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish with the balance having faded to mostly a smooth
grey patina and some scattered patches of very light surface pitting. The grips are also fine with a few light handling
marks, a few areas faded to chocolate brown, and crisp checkering. Mechanically fine. The holster is fair with a few
tears, moderate wear, and some period repairs.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 110
Scarce Colt London Agency Marked Model 1878 Double Action Revolver in .476 Eley with
Charles Lancaster Retailer Case - Serial no. 9335, 476 Eley cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard
rubber grips. Manufactured in 1882, this is a solid example of a Colt Model 1878 revolver produced
for Colt’s London Agency and cased by London retailer Charles Lancaster. Designed by William Mason
and Charles Brinckerhoff, Colt’s factory manager and Superintendent of Engineering, the Model 1878
revolver was intended to be a double action alternative to Colt’s legendary Single Action Army revolver.
With 51,210 being produced, the 1878 was never nearly as popular as its single action cousin; however,
there were still many that favored it in the West for its firepower, including Captain Jack Crawford, who
replaced Buffalo Bill Cody as “Chief of Scouts” shortly after the Battle of Little Bighorn. The top of the
barrel is marked with the very scarce one-line Colt Depot 14 Pall Mall London address. There are British
proofs on the bottom of the barrel and on the cylinder between each chamber. The caliber marking is
on the left of the trigger guard and the serial number is marked on the butt. It is fitted with standard
sights, a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops, and a lanyard swivel on the
butt. Includes an oak case with blank brass plaque on the lid and a Charles Lancaster retailer label on the
inside of the lid, as well as a cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 75% of the high polish original blue finish with some mild wear and scattered
flaking showing a brown patina and some scattered minor dings and scratches. The grips are good with
a large chip absent from the rear edge of the left panel and a few minor handling marks. Mechanically
fine. The case is fine with some minor handling/storage marks.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 111
50-Count Colt Model 1878 Double Action/
Single Action Army Picture Box of .45
Long Colt Cartridges by Winchester
Repeating Arms Co. - This is a full 50-count
box of .45 Long Colt cartridges, with a lid
label featuring an image of Colt’s Model
1878 double action revolver, the Winchester
address, and that the cartridges are for
both Colt’s Double Action and Single Action
Army revolvers. The side labels are in black text and feature Winchester’s guarantee and trademark. It is
primarily made of plain card stock with green labeling and black text. The cartridges inside have “W.R.A.
CO/45 COLT” headstamps. Given the popularity of Colt’s Single Action Army revolver in .45 Long Colt, it is
a rare occurrence to find a cartridge box with imagery featuring its double action cousin.
CONDITION: Box is fine with some general age and storage related wear, separated edges, and opened
seals. Cartridges are fine. This rare full 50-count picture box of .45 Long Colt cartridges would make a fine
accessory to accompany a Colt Model 1878 or Single Action Army revolver!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
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