Guns International #: 101430862
Seller's Inventory #: C-5

Category - Colt Revolvers - Conversion 1867-1878 - Colt Revolvers - Antique

Category
Colt Revolvers - Conversion 1867-1878
Colt Revolvers - Antique

SUPER RARE COLT POCKET POLICE 38 CENTER FIRE CONVERSION, WITH BRITISH PROOFS, LONDON-MARKED CASE, KEY AND CLEANING ROD

Description:
SUPER RARE COLT POCKET POLICE 38 CENTER FIRE CONVERSION, WITH BRITISH PROOFS, LONDON-MARKED CASE, KEY AND CLEANING ROD.   Centerfire conversions in the Police and Pocket model revolvers are seldom encountered, and to have one with British proofs, still in its London-marked case, is extremely hard to find. This is actually not a conversion but made of from parts on hand as an original cartridge-firing revolver. There is an exceedingly well-written and descriptive book by Breslin, Pirie and Price on all of the variations of the small-frame Colt conversions, in which they used data from about 1600 specimens to determine the variations and serial number ranges. In that survey, there a 6 revolvers noted close to this one in serial number that have similar features - the mixed type A/type B frame (meaning it has the "COLTS PATENT" marking of the type A frame on the left side while having the loading gate with external spring screw of the type B frame), a large hammer screw, British proofs with a New York barrel address and built with a Pocket Police barrel.  They note that around serial number 5,000 is when the switch from the type A to type B frame occurred, and this specimen is serial number 4968, right in the transitional phase of the serial number range, hence the correct mix of features. It has the original blued finish, 4.5" round barrel, and is a Type 2 conversion (loading gate, and ejector on barrel). Original 36 cal percussion marking remains on the left side of the trigger guard at grip. Caliber of this specimen is 38 Short Colt Centerfire, with the screwed-in centerfire hammer pin "used only on early production of the Police or ejector pistols." Cylinder is a type 3b with roll engraving and the conversion serial number only (3a was fluted and 3c would show the original percussion serial number along with the conversion serial number). British proofs are found on the cylinder at each of the 5 cylinder stops and on the left side of the barrel just forward of the wedge. Its original case label reads in script "Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Co. / 14, Pall Mall, S. W. / London" on 3 lines.  Colt maintained a plant in the mid-1850s in London, and when that closed, they kept open the Pall Mall location for continued European sales. Case contains the original key and one-piece cleaning rod; has the correct storage holes for the individual cartridges, and retains the original green velvet lining.

CONDITION:  Original walnut grips retain all of the original varnish and have never been cleaned, sanded or refinished. A very few light compression nicks are found and there is virtually no wear to them except a tiny bit along the toe lines. The frame retains 5% of the original case colors with the balance plum patina. Conversion ring about the same, with the protected areas exhibiting just about 95% of the case colors. Cylinder scene is 95% with clear, sharp markings and one lighter gray streak due to the revolver laying in one position in the case for a very long time. Barrel and ejector house retain 40% of the original blue that has turned patina. Brass trigger guard and back strap are a pleasing mellow patina, never cleaned. Serial number matches in whole or part on bottom of grip, trigger guard, frame, barrel and cylinder; loading gate and cylinder pin have matching assembly numbers; wedge is not numbered. Barrel shows multiple scratches above the wedge screw. Bore is excellent, bright with sharp rifling, just a hint of black powder oxidation.  Cylinder has very minor wobble, indexes perfectly on time every time, and locks up extremely tightly at full cock. Case shows expected wear and nicks/dings but is void of any major damage, no repairs, no replace screws or lining, and is definitely original to this revolver as the gun fits tightly in place. A fresh-to-market item, having been in a private collector's hands for the last 15 years, it will grade NRA Antique Very Good and certainly be a welcome addition to any collection. More pictures available on request as I could only include 20 with the listing.

TERMS:  No international sales. Antique so it can ship directly to you assuming your local laws allow it. 3-day non-firing inspection. Buyer pays return shipping. Payment by bank check, money order or personal check. All major credit cards accepted with 4% convenience fee added. Sold as a collectible only and should be checked by a competent gunsmith if you intend to shoot it. Trades and offers considered. Always interested in Civil War, Old West and other firearms so please contact me if you have something for trade or sale. Thanks for looking and please check my other listings. 315.251.4799 with questions or concerns.

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Pocket Police
Serial Number: 4968
Barrel Length: 4.5" round
Caliber Info: 38 Short Colt Centerfire
Condition: Very good
Metal Condition: Very good
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Excellent
Action: Single Action Revolver
Triggers: Standard/plain
Manufacture Date: 1870