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LOT 182
Very Scarce Presentation Cased, Factory Engraved, and Silver Plated Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 23655, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., silver finish, walnut grips. This stunning London ‘51 Navy revolver features a rarely seen full silver-plated finish and is referenced on “The 1851 London Navy Colt Club” website which states: “A very few including #23655 are known to be silver-plated.” It was manufactured in 1855 and features the classic Colt London factory engraving and has the distinctive Colt London features, including a steel back strap and large oval trigger guard, rounded screw heads, and London markings. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: “-ADDRESS COL: COLT. LONDON-” with arrows at either end of the legend. “Crown/V” and “crown/GP” view and proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and alternating on the cylinder between the nipples. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Naval Battle of Campeche scene and “ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843.” along with “COLT’S PATENT No.”“COLT’S PATENT” is hand engraved in Old English letters in a ribbon on the left side of the frame. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the loading lever arm, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, and back strap and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The factory “dot” mark for special finishing is by the main serial number locations. The revolver has the noted English style low relief engraving that consists of fine scrollwork on the barrel, loading lever arm flats, frame, hammer, trigger guard, and back strap. The sides of the frame also feature lined backgrounds, and the back strap is engraved with a crest that includes a dragon’s head over a fleur-de-lis. The revolver is complete with an oak case
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with navy blue lining and set of accessories, including a cleaning rod, L-shaped combination tool, blued ball/bullet mold, cartridge pack, Eley Bros. cap tin, and James Dixon & Sons “COLT’S NAVY FLASK.” CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 90% plus original silver plating overall, loss mainly on the cylinder, attractive aged patina on the silver, mostly silver- gray patina on the iron, some minor pitting, and generally minor age and storage related wear overall. The highly figured grip is very fine and has 90% plus original high gloss varnish finish remaining, minor handling and storage marks, slight edge wear, and a small flake on the right at the front edge. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are also very fine and have mild age and storage related wear, including a thin crack in the lid. Overall, a
very attractive and rare cased Colt London ‘51 Navy revolver with attractive factory engraving and silver plating.
Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000