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According to Colt's Double-Action Revolver by Wilkerson, only 1,147 Colt 1878 revolvers were produced in .455 Eley.
LOT 3132
Cased Antique Colt London Model 1878 Double Action Revolver in .455 Eley - Serial no. 8379, 455 eley cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1882. The barrel has the scarce “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON” address and is chambered in .455 Eley. The trigger guard is marked “455 CAL/E.” Only 1,147 Model 1878s were manufactured in .455 Eley with a 5 1/2 inch barrel and blue finish per Don Wilkerson in “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver” (pg. 359). London proofs are stamped on the underside of the barrel and behind each cylinder flute. The cylinder is numbered to the gun. The period case has a Colt London paper label on the interior of the lid and contains an empty
cartridge block, “L” shaped screwdriver, James Dixon & Sons oiler, combination tool, case key, and cleaning rod CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% bright original high polish blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance and a scuff on the top strap. The grips are excellent with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with minor handling/storage marks, some typical high spot wear on the lining and a clear paper label. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 3133
Cased Colt London Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 24501, 45 Eley Short cal., 5 1/ 2 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut grips. This black powder frame Colt SAA is chambered in .45 Eley Short, a desirable caliber that has bemused Colt collectors for decades. In “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1872-1895” on page 46 the authors write, “An interesting fact became evident when comparing listings in the Colt ledgers with copies of the actual invoices found in the Connecticut State Library. The designation ‘Eley’ or ‘Boxer’ was used interchangeably. Revolvers listed in .45 Eley in the record ledger may be listed on the shipping invoice as .45 Boxer and vice versa.” Per R.L. Wilson in “The Book of Colt Firearms” just over 3,400 standard Colt SAAs were chambered in .450 Eley/Boxer. The accompanying factory letter confirms the.450 chambering and blue finish with stocks and barrel length not listed. The top of the barrel has the Colt London address. “45 CAL/B” is stamped on the trigger guard. The frame has the two- line patent dates marking. London proofs appear on the underside of the barrel and behind each cylinder chamber. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap,
cylinder, and barrel. The partitioned case features a Colt London paper label on the interior of the lid and added cartridge block holding 24 rounds of .450, and contains four loss cartridges (3 rounds in .455 and 1 round .450), a James Dixon & Sons oiler, and “L” shaped screwdriver. CONDITION: Very good plus. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 30% original blue finish, the cylinder retains strong amounts of original blue finish in the flutes, 20% original blue finish remain on the grip straps and traces of original case colors remain on the frame and hammer with the balance between smooth brown and gray patinas. The grip is fine with high edge wear and minor dings. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with a crack on the lid, minor handling/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining. Estimate: 3,500 - 4,750
According to The Book of Colt Firearms, only 2,697 Colt Single Action revolvers were produced in .450 Eley.
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