Good Colt London Pocket Pistol in 31 Calibre

Of all of the Colt's available to British Collectors, the Colt "London" has to be the most iconic. Manufactured and proofed in Britain it is accepted that the quality of workmanship is better than the USA made revolvers and this can be evidenced in some of the attention to detail such as dome headed screws and much greater defined cross hatching on the hammer spur. Colonel Colt believed that Britain and it's Empire was potentially his most lucrative market and spared no expense or effort in attacking it. To appeal to the market he had these arms stamped "London" and gave free samples to anyone and everyone of importance from Royalty down. For an excellent account read Colonel Colt, London: The History of Colt's London Firearms, 1851-57 by John Rosa.
As to this example, we can see that it is a very handsome pocket revolver in .31 calibre with a 4" barrel that has not been messed with and is in NRA very good condition which means that the bore is good and there is 30% of original finish including varnish on the grips and there are no serious marks and the lettering is sharp and exactly as it should be. All of this can be seen from the photographs and I can send more if required but to be specific which a grading cannot explain; the revolver has mellowed to a pleasing dark patina and has clearly not been cleaned with abrasives at any time. The domed screw heads have seen some use but are not "buggered" ( Official USA phraseology for describing screws! ) and the cylinder scene is extant, not 100% but clear. Mechanically there is no problem and as previously mentioned the bore is good with nice deep rifled grooves. This is an early example and the serial number is 5051. The revolver is profusely marked with British proof and view marks on the frame, barrel and cylinder.
All in all an honest gun and difficult to beat at this price. To transcend from this very good example to NRA excellent grade you would have to pay four times this price but would you achieve four times the enjoyment? I doubt it.

Code: 50121