The accompanying factory letter confirms the .455 caliber chambering and blue finish. The barrel length and type of stocks are not listed, a common indication of a 7 1/2 inch barrel and walnut stocks, which this revolver exhibits. The factory letter also states the revolver was shipped to Colt's London Agency, London, England, on January 26, 1882. This shipment was for 56 guns (the crate used for international held 56 guns while a domestic shipping crate was designed to hold 50 guns). Colt manufactured only 1,150 standard frame first generation SAAs chambered in .455 Eley (see David Brown's "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 38). These .455 Eley Peacemakers were made for the British market and were only made from 1882 through fiscal year 1883-1884. There were only 477 SAA produced in this shown configuration ("The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895" page 375), making this revolver very scarce as well as highly desired and sought after among collectors. The top of the barrel has the one-line Colt London address. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped "455 CAL/E." The frame has the three-line patent dates marking on the left side. London proofs are found on the barrel and on the cylinder behind each flute. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Includes a brown leather flap holster. This revolver is pictured and identified in "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895" on page 374. Provenance: The Vic Frederick Collection; The Richard Atkinson Collection; Property of a Gentleman
Very good plus, showing honest wear and use, retaining 30% original blue finish and slight traces of original case colors in and around the sheltered areas and a ding at the muzzle. There is a series of pressure dents on the bottom, otherwise the grip is fine with some minor handling marks, high edge wear and most of the original varnish remaining. The holster is fine with the exception of a torn closure strap. Mechanically excellent. An antique black powder Colt London Agency SAA .455 Eley Revolver missing from even the most advanced collections. A must have for the serious Colt collector.
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