1875 Revolver 45 cal. s/n 16

[blueliner]

I have an 1875 Revolver 45 cal. s/n #16, 7 1/2" bbl. Possibly very early manufacture, but trying to sort that out. "45 " marked on left wood grip only. #16 marked on bottom of barrel and on handle frame inside metal. Also " 11.453" marked on inside frame handle metal. Cylinder has " L " and "16" stamped on it.
Any input on year made or anything is appreciated.
Also, understanding the Colt verification process, what is the method for this revolver's records, and what book would be best detailing this early model gun ?
Thanks.

[aardq]

You have a very rare and desirable gun. Very few were made in 45 Colt. The Cylinder looks like its a 45, but try a 45 or 44 case to make sure. The 11.453 is the metric designation of .45 leading to the possibility that it was sent to another country, but then why hide the number under the grip panel.

These guns were made in batches and the 16 is probably a batch number rather than a serial number.

Best book for info is Don Ware's book, Remington Army and Navy Revolvers.

Remington never kept records like Colt did, so there is no way to get any further info on when made, where shipped stc.

It's still a nice revolver to have, in any condition, but the nicer the condition, the nicer it is to own.

[blueliner]

The metric information is interesting.
The 45 definitely fits the cylinder.
Given your information, I wonder where a serial number is ?

The gun is up for auction on Sept.18th, item #1167, Little John's Auction/ProxyBid

Thank you for your information.