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LOT 3115
Very Scarce and Exceptional Cased Colt London Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 158454, 44 cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This is
an exceptional
example of a
very scarce Colt
London Model
1860 Army, which
was manufactured in 1866. The revolver falls in the correct 158,000 serial number range for
late London Model 1860s. These revolvers were manufactured and finished at the Colt Hartford plant but have the “-ADDRESS COL. COLT LONDON-” barrel address, have blued iron grip straps, and were intended for sale in England. This example was exported, as indicated by the London proofs stamped on the left side of the barrel and on the cylinder between each chamber at the rear. It has blued
iron grips straps and the Colt London barrel address. According to Colt historian R.L. Wilson, “Several
hundred Model 1860 revolvers were sold through Colt’s London Agency” and those with the London
barrel address are “a rare variation” (see “The Book of Colt Firearms, page 161). Based on available
factory shipping records dated 1866 to 1868, Charles Pate accounted for 159 Model 1860s destined
for the Colt London Agency and 233 revolvers with iron grip straps. Total production for these years stood at 17,013 (see “The Colt
Model 1860 Army Revolver,” page 294). The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS/PATENT.” The cylinder carries the standard roll engraved naval battle scene. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “44 CAL.” Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge, and arbor pin.
The period original English partitioned oak case features a Colt London Agency “directions for using Colt’s pistols” paper label glued to the interior of the lid. The case is lined in green felt. Besides
the revolver, the case holds a James Dixon & Sons bag shaped powder flask, a two cavity blued steel 44 caliber bullet mold marked “COLT’S/PATENT” on the sprue cutter and “44 H” on the right side, an “L” shaped combination tool, an Eley Brothers cap tin with green label, two combustible cartridges, a package of Colt 44 caliber combustible cartridges, oiler, and metal cleaning rod with wood handle.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel retains 90% bright original high polish blue finish and the grip straps retain 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish with some thinning to brown on the balance. The cylinder retains 30% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina and most of the naval scene remaining. The frame and hammer retain 95% plus original case colors. 30% original case colors remain on the loading lever. The grip is excellent with minor handling marks and nearly all of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with minor handling/storage marks, some worn lining, and absent lock escutcheon. The accessories are fine. The powder flask retains 80% original finish on the body with a small dent and 70% original gilt on the collar and dark appearance on the spot. The bullet model retains 80% original blue finish with some pitting. A high condition, highly attractive and very scarce example of a cased Colt London Model 1860s Army revolver that will be hard to improve upon.
Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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