This is a fine example of a Cased Colt Single Action Army revolver with London Agency address and British proofs and inspection marks that was manufactured in 1878. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The hammer, frame and loading gate are color casehardened. The one-piece walnut grip has a polished varnish finish. The ejector rod has the early, 'bullseye' head and the hammer has extended, bordered, knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line legend: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14. PALL MALL LONDON.". The left shoulder of the trigger guard is stamped "45 CAL/B" in two lines. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt 'Three-Date/Three-Line' patent marking. The assembly number "2" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. London "Crown/V" and "Crown/GP" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the cylinder between each chamber. The full serial number "44048" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "4048" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is complete with a British oak case with green baize lining. The case lid is inlaid with a brass shield and has brass reinforcing screws. A London Agency instruction sheet with an illustration of a Colt Single Action revolver is affixed to the inside of the lid. The case has four compartments including one with an ivory handled lid and contains: (1) steel cleaning rod, (2) L-shaped screw-driver, (3) pewter oil bottle, (4) cartridge block with thirty-three .450 Boxer cartridges and (5) three loose .450 Boxer cartridges. The revolver and casing are nearly identical to the example illustrated on page 248 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" by R.L. Wilson.

Very fine. The revolver retains 70% of the high polish blue and 60% color casehardened finish. The revolver shows very light handling wear; most of the finish loss is concentrated on the top and left side of the barrel where the finish has flaked. The cylinder has edge wear on the face and flutes and there is some minor finish loss on the back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer retain at least 95% of the fiery case colors. All of the markings are crisp. The grip is in excellent plus condition and retains nearly all of the original finish. The case exterior and interior are in excellent condition. The green baize lining is clean, un-faded and free from tears or stains. The Colt label is in very good condition with a few minor stains from contact with the revolver. All of the accessories are in the same excellent condition as the case. This is an attractive example of a British cased, London Agency Single Action Army revolver.