Image Lot Price Description




1194
$6,900.00

RARE EARLY VON OPPEN COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 14877. Cal. 45 Boxer. Blue & case colored with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight, 1-line script address on top with last four digits of serial number under ejector rod housing. There are tiny British proofs also on the bottom of the bbl with other tiny British proofs on cylinder. It has first type ejector rod housing, missing the locater plug with bulls eye ejector rod head. Left side of frame has small 2-line patent dates with “45 CAL / B” on left shoulder of trigger guard. Right shoulder of trigger guard has a small rampant Colt under a small “C”. This is the symbol of Samuel Colt’s European representative, Frederick von Oppen. von Oppen was married to Samuel Colt’s ward, Julia Leicester and Colt made this appointment in 1858 apprently to please her. In 1861 von Oppen was transferred to London and remained in charge of the London Agency until 1896 when he retired. Fitted with 1-pc walnut grip. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including bbl & cylinder (grip was not checked). Bbl is flaked, not worn, to 60-70% orig blue, thin & turning to a medium patina on top & left side. Frame retains about all of its orig case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas, faded on sides and top strap. Cylinder retains 95-96% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear. Trigger guard & back strap retain strong blue in the more sheltered areas, thin & candy striped on the back strap with two finger spots worn on front strap. Grip has a tiny chipped right toe and shows light edge wear with fine nicks & scratches and retains 93-95% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-33839 JR355 (12,500-17,500)


Auction: Firearms - Spring 2008
Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.