Lot 3135

Pair London Shipped Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolvers

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Pair London Shipped Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolvers

Estimate: $9,500 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $8,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Pair of Scarce London Agency Shipped Antique Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target Revolvers with London Agency Case Identified to Scottish Competitive Target Shooter T. Ranken and Factory Letters -A) Antique Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target Revolver in .455 Eley Pair of Scarce London Agency Shipped Antique Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target Revolvers with London Agency Case Identified to Scottish Competitive Target Shooter T. Ranken and Factory Letters -A) Antique Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target Revolver in .455 Eley Offered here is a neat pair of early 1890s production antique Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target revolvers housed in a period Colt London Agency leather case bearing the name "T. RANKEN" in bold black lettering on top of the lid. T. Ranken's name shows up in a number of Glasgow, Scotland, newspapers from the 1890s through the 1930s in which he competed in and placed in numerous target shooting events, with his title listed as a lieutenant with the 6th Royal Scots at the turn of the 20th century and later holding the rank of major with the 8th Royal Scots. The "A" gun was manufactured in 1890 and has an accompanying factory letter stating it was the sole gun of its type in a later dated shipment on December 22, 1899, to Colt's London Agency in London, England, in .455 caliber with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and a wood grip. This is one of only 925 standard frame Flattop Target Model Single Action Army revolvers manufactured in total with only 37 of those listed in factory ledgers as shipped in .455 Eley per page 252 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson. It has a beaded blade target front sight and dovetail mounted "V" notch rear sight. The one-line Colt Hartford address is marked on top of the barrel and "455 ELEY." is on the left. The three-line patent date markings and Rampant Colt are on the left side of the frame. London proofs are on the underside of the barrel and on each cylinder flute. Matching visible full serial numbers are marked on the frame, trigger guard and butt, unnumbered cylinder, and assembly number "1046" is on the loading gate. The included leather case has a carrying handle and a red felt lined interior fitted for the pair of revolvers with a reproduction Colt London Agency trade label on the underside of the lid, containing a cleaning rod, one deactivated .450 Eley cartridge, and a key.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 455 Eley

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number133221

Class: Antique

B) Antique Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target Revolver in .450 Eley The accompanying factory letter states this revolver was shipped on June 20, 1893, to Colt's London Agency in London, England, in .450 caliber with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed, as part of 12 guns of the same type in the shipment. This is one of only 925 standard frame Flattop Target Model Single Action Army revolvers manufactured in total with only 84 of those listed in factory ledgers as shipped in .450 Eley per page 252 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson. It has a blade target front sight, dovetail mounted "U" notch rear sight, and checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colt logos. The one-line Colt Hartford address is marked on top of the barrel and "450 ELEY." is on the left. The three-line patent date markings and Rampant Colt are on the left side of the frame. London proofs are on the underside of the barrel and on each cylinder flute. Matching visible full serial numbers are marked on the frame, trigger guard and butt, matching partial "2117" is correctly hand etched on the interiors of both grips, unnumbered cylinder, and assembly number "514" is on the loading gate.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 450 Eley

Finish: blue

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number152117

Class: Antique

  • Condition: A) Very fine, retains 70% plus original blue finish, with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, some minor surface oxidation, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grip is also very fine, with minor handling marks, and well-defined edges. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine, with a relined interior, and general age related wear. B) Fine, retains 60% plus original blue finish, with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, some minor oxidation, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grips are very fine, with a brown appearance on the left grip, handling marks, crisp checkering and logos. Mechanically excellent.

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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