Very Rare Lower Canada Marked Colt Model 1851 Canadian Militia Revolver

Rare Lower Canada Colt Model 1851 London Navy Canadian Militia Revolver. Manufactured 1853, 7.5" barrel, 6 shot, 36 Caliber. The British were trying to maintain control of their colonies around the world, as such Canada passed the Militia Act of 1855. This authorized creation of a 5,000-person volunteer Militia Force which included infantry/cavalry. The force was to provide security within the provinces and operate a national police force in more remote/less populated areas. The forces were divided into 2 groups: Upper Canada/ Lower Canada. UC consisted of the territory that encompass the province of Ontario today. LC consisted of the territory that covers today's province of Quebec. The Canadian Militia General released an order on May 16, 1856: "Each Cavalry Volunteer will receive one cavalry sword with scabbard complete, one six shooting Colt's pistol one sword belt, one sword knot, one cartouche box and belt, one holster, one cleaning rod, one nipple wrench." 560 mounted militiamen served the Upper Canada district and 246 served the Lower Canada district. Approximately 800 Colt 1851's were acquired in London by the Canadian Gov't to fill the contract. These ones had stronger iron backstraps/triggerguards vs the American brass ones. Out of the 800 units only about 240 were issued to Lower Canada, making the LC marked examples much rarer than the UC examples. Out of the 240 units recent info shows aprox 20% of the LC ones have survived, meaning only about 50 revolvers. The grip on this revolver is marked LC A 37, meaning issued to the Lower Canada Militia, Troop A, Man #37. The action on this piece functions excellent. All 3 hammer click positions are present. Timing and lockup rate very good. Cylinder nipples show common wear. Bore rates good for the vintage with expected common wear, rifling is strong. Original one piece grip is in good shape, showing handling marks. All SN's match on frame, barrel, back strap, trigger guard, arbor/pin and cylinder. This is uncommon with Canada issued 1851's as parts were swapped or repairs done. The barrel address, SN's, British proofmarks and cylinder scene are crisp and show well. Exterior shows well, there is traces of the original London color case hardening. Very rare to aquire such a rare Colt with early Canada provenance! Antique status in Canada, no PAL required, RCMP paperwork included. $18995 includes Free Shipping. I'm open to payments.Ask any questions. 2021 Ontario Auction sold less rare UC 1851 for $24K.