April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2023
Lot consists of (A) New Service double action revolver chambered in .455 Eley manufactured by Colt in 1915. Left side of barrel bear stampings stipulating the model and caliber designations, with Colt's 2-line address across the top. Left side of frame bears British proofs as well as the Rampant Colt logo and "VP" proof. Metal components exhibit a lustrous nickel finish, while the frame is mounted with 2-piece Colt black checkered hard rubber grips. Matching numbers are present on the frame, cylinder crane, as well as on the interior of the grips. Interior of left grip panel is hand-scribed with a Sergeant First Class insignia above "USMC 1110315/ K. BROCKMAN". Additional features include a 5 - 1/2" barrel, clipped blade front sight, standard frame notched rear sight, as well as a lanyard swivel mounted on the butt. Revolver is accompanied by an original Colt factory letter indicating that this example was sent in a shipment of 650 New Service revolvers on November 30th, 1915, to the London Armoury Company. Finish is listed as "Blue" and type of stocks is "Not Listed". CONDITION: Metal components retain bountiful amounts of what appears to be their period applied nickel finish, exhibiting areas of mild pitting beneath the finish overall. Bore is bright, exhibiting mild inactive oxidation and good rifling throughout. Grips are very good overall, showing some nicks and marks from storage and handling. (B) New Service revolvered chambered in .455 Eley manufactured by Colt in 1915. Left side of barrel bears stampings stipulating the model and caliber designation, with Colt's 2-line address present across the top. Left side of frame bears the Rampant Colt logo and "VP" proof. Frame bears a British "(Crown)/ V" London Proof House proofs, with the barrel and cylinder flutes exhibiting additional "(Crown)/ V" and "(Crown)/ CP" proofs. Metal components exhibit a blued finish, while the frame is mounted with 2-piece Colt black checkered hard rubber grips. Additional features include a 5 - 1/2" barrel, clipped blade front sight, standard frame notched rear sight, as well as a lanyard swivel mounted on the butt. Matching numbers are present on the frame and cylinder crane. Revolver is accompanied by an original Colt factory letter indicating that this example was shipped to "London". Letter does not indicate the date of shipment, but states that this example was 1 of 370 New Service revolvers shipped, and Historian Beverly Jean Haynes suggesting that the shipment occurred around February 4th, 1915. CONDITION: Metal components retain large amounts of their period applied blue finish, exhibiting scattered superficial marks, some mild surface oxidation, and a few areas of wear that show through to a pleasant brown patina. Mirror bore, exhibiting sharp and well defined lands and grooves throughout. Grips show some scattered impressions and handling marks, but are otherwise sturdy and serviceable. Revolvers are housed within a finely made contemporary case, featuring a brass plaque inscribed "Lt. W.E.S. Owen/ 2ND MANCHESTERS/ 1918" on the lid. Interior features a green felt lining and contains 2 25-round boxes of Fiocchi .455 Mk II ammunition, a cord lanyard, as well as a brass cleaning rod. Case is excellent, exhibiting some minor superficial marks from handling and storage. An attractive pair of British proofed Colt New Service revolvers.
Item Dimensions: Case: 17 - 1/2" x 9 - 1/2" x 3 - 1/4"
Accessories
2 Boxes of ammunition, Case, Cleaning rod, Lanyard
Barrel Length
(Both) 5 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
(Both) .455 Eley
Paperwork
(Both) Factory Letters
Serial Number
(A) 98454 (B) 73241