Lot 126

Cased Set of Factory Engraved Colt London Percussion Revolvers

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Cased Set of Factory Engraved Colt London Percussion Revolvers

Estimate: $16,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $14,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Well-Documented and Scarce Cased Set of Deluxe Factory Engraved Colt London Model 1851 Navy and Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolvers with Inscribed Initials -A) Colt London Model 1851 Navy Revolver Well-Documented and Scarce Cased Set of Deluxe Factory Engraved Colt London Model 1851 Navy and Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolvers with Inscribed Initials -A) Colt London Model 1851 Navy Revolver This stunning cased set was manufactured at Colt's short-lived London factory in the mid-1850s and is featured on page 84 of "Colonel Colt London" by Joesph G. Rosa and on page 119 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R. L. Wilson. In both books they are noted as courtesy of Robert Q. Sutherland. Their engraving is nearly identical despite the difference in size between the revolvers. The arms of the loading levers, barrels, frames, hammers, trigger guards, and back straps are factory engraved with beautifully cut English foliate scrollwork with areas of shaded backgrounds on the sides of the frames and "Colts. Patent" inscribed in Old English style script within banners on the left side of each of the frames. Punch marks are stamped below the serial numbers on the barrel lugs, frames, trigger guards, and back straps indicating the revolvers were each designated by the Colt factory for engraving and special finishing. Both revolvers are also inscribed "T. C." or "J. C." on the backstraps and are mounted with checkered walnut grips. The pair comes in a mahogany case with an crest and escutcheon engraved on the central brass inlay, green baize lining, two blued bullet molds, two L-shaped combination tools, a cleaning rod, an Ely Bros. cap tin, a James Dixon & Sons "COLTS POCKET FLASK" and oiler, key, and two compartments with lids. Documentation regarding the identity of the original owner is not included; however, the crest and coat of arms match the Coleman family of Ireland, and Colt's revolvers were very popular with English officers during the Crimean War in 1853-1856. One member of the Coleman family, John Coleman (1821-1858), who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry during the Crimean War as a corporal in the 9th (The Earl of Ulster's) Regiment of Foot. His citation in the Supplement to the London Gazette of February 24, 1857, stated: "Conspicuous for great coolness and bravery on the night of the 30th August, 1855, when the enemy attacked a 'New Sap' and drove the working party in; he remained in the open, perfectly exposed to the enemy’s rifle pits, until all around him had been killed or wounded. He finally carried one of his Officers, who was mortally wounded, to the rear." He was later promoted to sergeant and served during the Indian Mutiny and died in Lucknow, India, of disease. The Model 1851 Navy was manufactured in 1855. London proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and between each chamber on the cylinder. The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS. COL: COLT. LONDON-" framed with a double line border with foliate flourishes at the front end. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Naval Battle of Campeche scene. The revolver has the oval steel trigger guard, steel back strap, and more rounded screw heads that are typical of Colt London revolvers. The matching serial number is stamped on the loading lever, barrel lug, wedge (marked "9.6."), arbor pin, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy

BBL: 7 1/2 inch octagon

Gauge: 36

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: walnut

Serial Number19060

Class: Antique

B) Colt London Model 1849 Pocket Revolver The Model 1849 Pocket was manufactured in 1854. London proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and between each chamber on the cylinder. The barrel has the two-line "{ADDRESS. COL: COLT/LONDON.}" address marked on top. The iconic stagecoach hold-up scene is featured on the cylinder. The revolver has the oval steel trigger guard, steel back strap, and more rounded screw heads that are typical of Colt London revolvers. The matching serial number is visible on the loading lever, cylinder, wedge, arbor pin, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1849

BBL: 4 inch octagon

Gauge: 31

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: walnut

Serial Number2144

Class: Antique

  • Condition: A) Fine with crisp engraving and markings, 70% of the original blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, 50% of the original case colors on the loading lever, hammer, and frame; traces of original blue on the grip straps, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and minor oxidation and storage wear. The grip is also fine aside from small flakes at the edges and has crisp checkering and minor handling marks. The hand/hand spring need work as the cylinder does not rotate, but the revolver otherwise mechanically functions. The case and accessories are fine with the vast majority of the original blue remaining on the molds and combination tools, a broken spring on the flask, separation of the case lid at the front, and generally minor age and storage related wear. B) Fine with crisp engraving and markings, 80% plus of the original blue finish on the barrel and trigger, traces of original blue on the cylinder and grip straps, patterns original case colors on the right side of hammer, traces of original case colors on the loading lever and frame, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and minor oxidation and storage wear. The grip is very fine aside from small flakes at the edges and has crisp checkering and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is an extraordinary cased set. The Colt London revolvers represent Samuel Colt's significant investments into the European market following the attention his revolvers received at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, especially from British military officers, and their limited production and high quality has continued to keep these revolvers in high demand with collectors today.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000