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LOT 153
Attractive Rodda & Co. Cased, Retailer Engraved, Silver and Gold Plated Colt Third Model “Thuer” Derringer - Serial no. 44590, 41 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch round bbl., gold/silver finish, antique ivory grips. These derringers were introduced in 1870 and totaled around 48,000 produced, with this example being produced late in production in the early 20th century. This derringer has gorgeous factory quality period retailer applied engraving on over 3/4 of the metal surfaces consisting mainly of highly detailed scrollwork and an oak leaf on top of the barrel at the breech. It is likely the engraving was executed in Britain by a skilled artisan or the retailer. The top of the barrel has a rounded blade front sight and “COLT” in large italic letters and the bottom of the barrel has small British proofs. It is fitted with a pair of smooth grips. Includes a lightly tooled, brown leather wrapped, hard case that is marked “R.B. RODDA & Co./LONDON & CALCUTTA” on the interior lining of the lid, and a .41 RF cartridge. There is a brass escutcheon on the lid that is presentation inscribed “H. GODRICH/from/O.G.S.” CONDITION: Fine, retains strong traces of the gold plating on the barrel with the balance a smooth grey patina, strong traces of the case colors and nitre blue, and 95% plus of the silver plating which shows an attractive antique patina. The engraving is crisp overall. The attractive grips are very fine with some short hairline age- related stress lines visible around the grip screws. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some mild wear. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 154
LOT 155
London Agency Cased Rare Factory Silver Plated Colt New Line .41 Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 1308, 41 RF cal., 2 1/4 inch round bbl., silver finish, pearl grips. Also known as “Big Colt”
from advertising during its era, this revolver was manufactured
in 1875. The top
of the barrel has
the two-line Colt
Hartford address.
The left side of the
barrel is unmarked. There are London proof marks on the underside of the barrel and each cylinder flute. The serial number is marked on the left side of the grip frame, followed by “S” which may indicate the silver plating is factory work, and the partial serial number “308” is on the bottom of the barrel and rear face of the cylinder. The left side of the frame is marked “41CAL”. It has a full silver plated finish and is fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips. Includes an oak presentation case with Colt London Agency interior label, cleaning rod, key, and ten .41 CF cartridges. There is a blank brass inscription plate in the lid of the case.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original factory silver plating which mostly shows an attractive antique dark aged patina and some scattered light flaking. The grips are fine with a few minor chips and some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some light handling/storage marks scattered throughout and a horizontal crack visible in the lid.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
London Retailer
Cased Engraved Colt
Cloverleaf House
Model Revolver -
Serial no. 2095, 41 RF
cal., 3 inch round bbl.,
nickel finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured
in 1871, the first year
of production. Floral
scroll and punch dot
period retailer applied
engraving is featured
on the rear sides of
the frame, behind
the hammer, and on
the sides of the spur
trigger. British proofs
are located on the barrel and on each cylinder chamber. The top of the barrel is marked “COLTS HOUSE PISTOL/ HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” flanked by Maltese crosses. The barrel is numbered to the gun. The blue velvet lined case has a Ophilus Murcott of London paper label on the inside of the lid.
CONDITION: Very fine. The revolver retains 80% period retailer applied nickel finish with the balance a smooth gray patina mixed with some minor pitting. The grips are fine with a hairline crack near the top (left panel), some minor handling marks and some high edge wear. The action functions but needs work as the mainspring is broken.
The case is very good with minor handling/storage marks and high spot wear on the fine lining. Most of the fine retailer label remains.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 156
Cased London
Proofed Colt Etched Panel New Line .32 Spur
Trigger Revolver - Serial no. 17282, 32 CF cal., 2
1/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, rosewood grips.
Manufactured in 1882. The top of the barrel has the
two-line address, the left side has the etched panel
marked “COLT NEW 32”, and the bottom has British
proofs. The cylinder is also marked with British proofs. It has standard features as well as a pair of smooth grips. Includes a fitted retailer style leatherette case.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% of the original nickel finish with some scattered very small flecks of light flaking and a crisp etched panel. The grips are fine with some scattered minor dings and scuffs, and retaining most of the varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some scattered minor handling/storage scuffs. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
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