Sam Colt's London Factory:

A Pair of London Navy Colts from 800 Supplied to Canada's Militia

In 1855 @ $25.00 each:

COLTS Thameside London Factory Leased 1853-1856.

 Back then in Colt's time - Londoners were able to buy and carry their revolver of choice for security.

Looking at this old map image ..

The "Small Arms Manufactury" is low-center facing onto the River Thames while the hexagonal 'MILLBANK PENITENTIARY' is now overbuilt by The TAIT ART GALLERY. 

Bessborough Place still exists, close to PIMLICO Underground Station (opened 1972) where the train platforms are 16 meters (52ft.) below sea level. - Near the low-left corner of the map, is now Churchill Gardens Housing Estate built 1950s - where my wife grew up .. I spent a lot of time there in the 60's before we married.

I can clearly pick-out her apartment home at 11 Shelley House (left ) from this photo.

That glass tower supplied the whole estate with FREE domestic heating & water from the coal powered Battersea Power Station across the Thames - piped under the river until the power station closed in 1980. - Those were the days. - These small apartments are now selling for over a MILLION DOLLARS NZ each.

Colt's entry into English industry was not an easy ride, as his percussion revolvers were 'Single Action' needing to be hand-cocked for each shot whereas many English manufacturers were producing 'Double-Action' guns. - He had also upset the English gunmakers by not employing their services of hand made craftsmanship - but instead used precision steam powered machinery, staffed with ordinary workers to produce his standard 'interchangable' parts assemblies.

Long term demand for Colts London-made guns slumped when the Crimean War ended in February 1856 and Samuel closed his Pimlico plant at the end of that year - shipping the machinery and stock components back to America where demand was greater.

These same buildings that he leased, - in 1858 became The Royal Small Arms Repair Factory. 

- R.S.A.R.F was established in 1858 by the British Government to act as the first depot and training establishment for the Corps of Armourer Sergeants - who made up a significant number of the work’s staff. - The factory was used for some ten years as a repair and modification facility for a range of small arms belonging to the British armed forces - before ending up at RSAF in Birmingham.

- Sadly, Samuel Colt crippled by gout, - died of heart failure a young but wealthy man aged only 47 in 1862.

An original $25.00 Colt Navy .36 Model 1851 antique Revolver will cost you here around 4-5,000 NZ Dollars to buy depending on condition ... a very good investment.

Marty K.