4253 EXEMPLARY DOCUMENTED "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" COLT

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This item SOLD at 2026 Aug 08 @ 13:50UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 6,250.00 USD
Estimated at 12,500.00 - 17,500.00 USD
SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. Cal. 38 Spcl. S# 356174. Barrel 4-3/4". First Gen. SAA revolvers chambered in 38 Spcl. are very rare as the caliber did not gain popularity until after WWII. Some of these 38 Spcl. "Battle of Britain" guns had been in Colt's stockroom since the late 1920's. Listed by S# in Cochran's "Peacemaker Encyclopedia" as one of only five "Battle of Britain" shipped revolvers with 4.75" barrels and blue finish. This gun was never British proofed and is excellent unfired condition. Following the loss of small arms suffered by the British Expeditionary Force while evacuating the Dunkirk in May 1940, 163 revolvers were ordered by the British Purchasing Commission as replacement and in preparation of a perceived imminent invasion by Germany. The revolvers were shipped to Winchester on June 18, 1940. The 163 revolvers were a mix of 63-blue & 100-nickel, mixed large calibers and barrel lengths. Many survive in high condition such as this one, but this is among the very few that was never British proofed. Revolver is additionally listed by serial number, page 182 "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" by Graham, Kopec & Moore. An inquiry to Colt Archives shows no information available for this revolver. CONDITION: excellent, retains 98% plus bright blue and case colors, prominent drag line. Matching two-piece checkered hard rubber grips in very good condition showing only light wear. Mechanics fine, bright shiny bore protected by inserted grease. (25-6043/JS&BH). CURIO. $12,500-17,500.