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Colt Marked Cap Tins

With the advent of percussion ignition for firearms, the English market spawned a large number of percussion-cap manufacturers. As late as the 1840's here were numerous small firms engaged, principally in the greater London and Birmingham areas, which were the major centers of the English gun trade. In 1828 William Eley started the manufacture of percussion-caps in Golden square in London. He died in the early 1840's and was succeeded by his two sons, William and Charles. In the late 1840's Henry the younger brother joined the business, and the name changed to "Eley Bros Limited". The Eley company was successful not only in England, the home base, but also abroad, mainly in America. With the opening of the Colt factory in London, and Colt's quest for a waterproof cartridge, his factory there in London, and also in Hartford dealt almost exclusively with Eley Brothers. Colt and Eley jointly were granted an English patent for foil cartridges, in June 1855. The early Eley tins invariably bear the
W & C Eley label, and have a galvanized finish. The later tins circa 1854, invariably are dark brown lacquered, or japanned and have the Eley Bros label. The label colors are many and varied. Early label range from yellow through numerous shades of green, tan, orange, grey, and white. Later Eley Bros labels are various shades of blue and green, with a mixture of tan and orange. The blue and green dominate. 100 count tins are for the 1849 Pocket and the 1855 Root models. The 250 count tins are for the Dragoon, Navy, Army and Police models.

Eley Bros Cap Tin.

Pictured below here are two scarce “Colt’s Patent, Eley Bros” 250 count high profile cap tins in fine untouched condition. all original and complete. The left tin has a full and visible label on it, the tin on the right has a label with some minor pieces missing. Both labels reads from top to bottom: "ELEY BROS, 250 METAL-LINED CAPS, made expressly for COLT'S PT  Belt and Pocket PISTOLS. Manufacturers, London".
Notice the difference in color of the labels.
Both tin are in nice untouched condition.