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LOT 3326
Early Production Two-Digit Serial Number Colt “Old Model” New Service
Double Action Revolver in Extremely Rare .476 Eley with Factory Letter - Serial
no. 42, 476 Eley cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. The included
factory letter lists this revolver in .476 caliber with a 4 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish,
and rubber grips when shipped to Colt’s London Agency on November 10, 1898, in a
shipment of ten guns of this type. This New Service Revolver is chambered in the incredibly
rare .476 Eley cartridge, which was coming to the end of its common usage in the British
Empire by the time these revolvers were introduced, with most of the revolvers destined
for England in the more popular .450 and .455 Eley cartridges. The revolver shows standard
blade front sight with rear sight groove on the frame as well as a lanyard loop attached at
the butt. The revolver is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” on top of
the barrel with the all important “NEW SERVICE 476-CAL.” marking on the left side, British
proofs on the barrel and cylinder flutes, “COLT’S/NEW SERVICE” around the Rampant Colt on
the sideplate, and “W5744” non-factory stamped on the right of the frame which is likely a
registration number. The revolver is fitted with a pair of black checkered hard rubber grips
with “COLT” ovals at the top.
CONDITION: Fine overall, retaining 60% original blue finish with scattered light oxidation,
some mixed brown and grey patina, mild edge wear, most of the bright nitre blue on the
hammer and trigger, and crisp checkering on the grips. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
LOT 3325
Historic Documented Gus Peret Shipped Factory Engraved Colt Officer’s Model Target Double Action Revolver with
Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 330202, 38 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in
1911 and features factory floral scroll and punch dot engraving on the rear barrel sides, frame, and alternating cylinder flats.
There are geometric patterns on the remaining cylinder flats, cross hatching with dots below the cylinder on the frame, floral
and star burst patterns ahead of the cylinder, geometric designs on the butt and a wavy line on the sides of the top strap all from the shop of Cuno
Helfricht, renowned factory engraver. The two line address/patent dates are marked on top of the barrel in a scallop bordering, and “OFFICERS MODEL 38”
flanked by Maltese crosses is on the left side of the barrel in a plain panel amid the engraving. The Rampant Colt and stylistic “C” are in a oval panel on the left side
of the frame. Elevation adjustable blade front and windage adjustable u-notch rear target sights. Checkered trigger, hammer, cylinder release and back strap, blue
finish with niter blue trigger and hammer with bright hammer sides, and fitted with smooth factory pearl grips with Colt medallions. The accompanying factory
letter verifies the caliber, barrel length, blue finish, pearl grips, factory engraving and that it was shipped as 1 to Gus Peret on March 13, 1911. Gus Peret (1886-
1973) earned his greatest fame as a trick-shot artist. He also created caricatures of famous people by shooting holes through pieces of tin. He and his wife, Hazel,
traveled the world putting on trick shooting exhibitions. Peret also traveled around the country putting on shows as a representative of the Peters Ammunition
Company. He also was a gun tester for Peters and Remington, as well as an Alaskan and African big game hunter.
CONDITION: Very fine. The revolver retains 85% original blue finish with some muzzle and high point wear, a cylinder drag line and a smooth gray patina on the
grip straps. The grips are also very fine with a small chip on the left heel and a minor age crack starting to form just ahead of the right grip panel escutcheon. The
engraving and markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 9,500
Serial
Number 42