Colt Eley for Sale

[Rancho113]

I almost never see these for sale. This one looks particularly clean. I can think of several reasons to buy it #1 Its a Colt. #2 Its unique in that its US made for Britain. #3 It covers British WWI pistol none of which I have. In this condition it should only go up in value (not that I've ever sold anything).
Opinions? WW1 Era Colt Eley in 455 Caliber, Original : Curios & Relics at GunBroker.com


sorry forgot the link

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[jmoore]

Which one?

This?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=332272432

Nice but it's been reamed out to .45 Colt, so it's not altogether unmolested. Should still work with .455 if the rim seats for the .45 Colt aren't too big.

[Rancho113]

Yea that one. The way I read it its still .455. I'll try to find out for sure.
Owner says its all original!

[Johnny Peppers]

Wonder what this had to do with the pistol shown? A dangling participle at best.

New Service revolvers were supplied to British Empire and Canadian forces during World War I, and they continued to see official service with US (chambered for 45 caliber) until the end of World War II.

[jmoore]

The way I read it its still .455. I'll try to find out for sure.

That's easy. Just look at the photo of the rear end of the cylinder. Don't rely on the tall tales of the seller!

[Rancho113]

You are talking about the ridges in the bores that look about one inch down?? Those bores are normally smooth all the way right?

[jmoore]

The cylinder throat has been moved forward. And there's small recesses at the rear end to accommodate the thicker .45 Colt round's rim.

[Rancho113]

Ended up "winning" the auction. Had pre-bid and then went out of town. Oh we'll... But I can return it if its not completely original. So I've been looking for cylinder diameter specs to be able to measure it when it gets here. No luck yet. Any clues where such numbers might be?? And, is that what I need? I'm still not 100% sure on "throat moved forward". Are you talking about the part of the cyl. Where the shell case slides into the cyl?
Also thanks for your input already. Sorry for not getting back sooner. Typing on cell ph keyboards sucks

[jmoore]

And, is that what I need? I'm still not 100% sure on "throat moved forward". Are you talking about the part of the cyl. Where the shell case slides into the cyl? Also thanks for your input already. Sorry for not getting back sooner. Typing on cell ph keyboards sucks

In the cylinder bores you have from front to rear:

1. Throat (the smallest diameter that should be near to the bullet diameter)
2. Bevel or step between throat and chamber
3. Chamber (the larger diameter which is just larger than the cartridge case and is slighly longer, but not very much than the brass forward of the rim)
4.Rim recess (Or not, which would be the case for an unmodified revolver. It's the largest diameter if it exists, but isn't very deep.)

As clearly seen on the aution photos, the chamber area is rather longer than required for a .455, so the throat is short. It also shouldn't have the small rim recesses. The seller didn't hide it, so...

I understand your frustration with those ridiculous keyboards on the phone. Have about smashed my new one into tiny pieces several times!

[Rancho113]

Thanks for the explanation. Yes the photos are clear photos, but the written description and several emails through gb maintained that it is original. Even if I do end up keeping it, it comes with a lesson learned.
Been reading and reading everyday, the more I learn, the more I find out that I don't know. So I'll continue to tune in here regularly and try to keep up!