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  • Auction Catalog #56
  • Lot #1279
Lot #1278
Lot #1280

Lot 1279: Colt Single Action Revolver 357 mag

Documented, Historic "Battle of Britain" Colt Single Action Army .357 Magnum Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 7, 2012

Lot 1279: Colt Single Action Revolver 357 mag

Documented, Historic "Battle of Britain" Colt Single Action Army .357 Magnum Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 7, 2012

Estimated Price: $16,000 - $25,000
Price Realized:
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Documented, Historic "Battle of Britain" Colt Single Action Army .357 Magnum Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 357 mag
Barrel: 4 3/4 inch round
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip: hard rubber
Stock:
Item Views: 5228
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 99
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This is an excellent example of a historic WWII associated Colt Single Action Army revolver that was manufactured in 1939 and shipped to Great Britain. This revolver was one of nine Colt Single Action Army revolvers with 4 3/4 inch barrels, blue finished in 357 Magnum caliber and is listed by serial number in the "Colt Peacemaker encyclopedia" by Keith Cochran on page 24, (copy of page included). On June 18, 1940 the British Government purchased through Winchester 163 Colt Peacemakers to replenish their stock of firearms in anticipation of an invasion after the loss of small arms by the British Expeditionary Force during the evacuation from Dunkirk in May 1940. The "Battle of Britain" revolvers were the last Colt Single Action Army revolvers ordered under a military contract. The revolver has a commercial blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame and loading gate are casehardened and the trigger and hammer are blue with polished sides on the hammer. The top of the barrel is marked with the two line address, "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .357" on the left side and the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, three patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt. The left front trigger guard bow is stamped with the number "4" over the "VP triangle proof mark. The matching serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame and on the right side of the grip straps under the grip. The grips have the matching number scratched into the insides and the partial serial number "19" is marked on the rear face of the cylinder. The matching assembly number "534" is marked on the right rear of the frame and on the loading gate. The left side back strap shoulder is marked with a small broad arrow over a "crown/E4/?". This revolvers serial number is also listed in Graham, Kopec and Moore's "A Study of The Colt Single Action Army Revolver" on page 182. This revolver has the distinction as being one of the very historic "Battle of Britain" revolvers purchased the British for a last-ditch defense when faced with the imminent threat of a Nazi invasion in the summer of 1940.

Rating Definition:

Excellent. The revolver retains 97% plus original blue finish showing some minor muzzle and high edge wear, a faint drag line on the cylinder and a few minor light scratches. The frame retains 98% original bright case colors. The grips are also excellent. The markings remain crisp and clear. The action is excellent. One of the rare Battle of Britain Colt Single Action Army revolvers that miraculously found it's way back to the U.S. in exceptional near flawless condition.



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