These revolvers were manufactured in 1855 in the London factory serial number range and were evidently separated and later reunited as only the second revolver is shown cased alone in a single gun case on page 90 of "Colonel Colt London" by Rosa. They appear to have been embellished for a German herzog/duke as the inlaid gold rectangles on the back straps are engraved with a coronet that looks to be a "herzogskrone" and scrolls, but their original owner has not been documented. They feature elaborate English scroll and border engraving with an extraordinary degree of coverage including the cylinder in place of a roll scene along with the front strap and bottom of the loading lever arm, and rare checkered grips with diamonds of different sizes. The barrels have German silver cone front sights and the "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT LONDON-" address. The frames do not have the Colt's patent marking, but the cylinders have the marking by the serial numbers. Both the barrels and the cylinders have the usual London proof and view marks. Matching serial numbers are found on the wedge, arbor pin, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap of each revolver, and "dot" markings are by the lower serial numbers. The relined period case has a reproduction Colt London trade label, a Syke's patent "Colt's Navy Flask," an L-shaped combination tool, and a blued double cavity mold.

Very good with crisp engraving 40% original blue remaining on the barrel and loading lever, bright gold on the inlay, mostly gray patina on the balance, some minor oxidation, and generally mild overall wear mainly from age and storage. The grip is also very good and has well-defined checkering with some small spots of wear, light edge wear, and minor marks and scratches. The hammer slips from half-cock, but the revolver is otherwise mechanically fine. The relined case is very good with mild storage wear. The flask is fair good moderate dents, and the other accessories are fine with strong blue finish and mild storage wear.

See "A."

Very good with crisp engraving, bright original gold inlay, 30% original blue remaining on the lower barrel flats and loading lever, 20% original blue on the cylinder, mostly gray patina on the balance, some minor oxidation, and mild overall wear. The grip is also very good and has well-defined checkering with some small worn spots, minor edge wear, and a few small marks and scratches. Mechanically fine.