Welcome to at present’s Photograph of the Day! This distinctive 1878 Colt New Line .38 caliber revolver represents one of many rarest variations of Colt’s early metallic cartridge pocket pistols. Whereas most New Line .38s featured an ordinary 2.25-inch barrel, this instance sports activities a scarce 4-inch barrel, making it a extremely coveted collector’s piece. Manufactured as a Second Mannequin with normal options together with a loading gate and spur set off, the revolver bears the traditional “COLT NEW 38” etched panel on the left facet and British proof marks confirming its London Company origin. The well-preserved blue and case-hardened end, German silver blade entrance sight, and clean rosewood grips showcase the standard of Colt’s 1870s craftsmanship. The New Line collection, launched in 1873 alongside the legendary Single Motion Military, represented Colt’s early foray into metallic cartridge revolvers after the expiration of the Rollin White patent. This specific .38 caliber mannequin was produced between 1874-1880, with manufacturing ending when Colt refused to decrease high quality requirements to compete with cheaper imitations. The accompanying oak presentation case with Colt London Company label and interval Eley cartridges additional enhances this revolver’s historic significance.
“Manufactured in 1878 as a Second Mannequin with normal options in addition to the scarce and fascinating 4 inch barrel and a loading gate. It’s unclear precisely what number of of those 4 inch barrel New Line .38 revolvers had been made, however it is vitally clear that they’re way more scarce than the usual barrel lengths, particularly in such excellent situation like this instance. The usual two-line handle is on prime of the barrel, the fascinating “COLT NEW 38” in an etched panel on the left, patent date on the underside underneath the cylinder pin, British proofs on the decrease left, and serial quantity on the decrease proper close to the muzzle. The left facet of the body is marked “38CAL C” and the serial quantity is marked on the left of the grip body. It’s fitted with a German silver blade entrance sight, body prime groove rear sight, and a pair of clean rosewood grips. Features a very engaging oak presentation case with Colt London Company inside label, cleansing rod, keys, and a choice of Eley .380 CF cartridges. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Assortment”
Lot 178: London Company Cased Colt New Line .38 Revolver with 4″ Barrel – Spectacular Colt London Company Cased Colt New Line .38 Spur Set off Revolver with Uncommon and Fascinating 4 Inch Barrel. (n.d.-a). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved February 23, 2025, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/4090/178/london-agency-cased-colt-new-line-38-revolver-with-4-barrel.
