3384

Excellent Documented New York Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:16,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Excellent Documented New York Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips
This is an 1898 produced excellent original example of an engraved Colt 1878 D.A. revolver with factory letter that states it was shipped one year later as unengraved from Colt to Hartley and Graham in New York City on March 29, 1899 (Hartley & Graham embellished it). The revolver is illustrated and described on page 296 of "COLT'S DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER MODEL of 1878" by Don Wilkerson. The revolver has a nickel-plated finish with niter blue trigger, hammer top and screws. The revolver is fitted with two-piece mother-of-pearl grips. The lanyard loop is case-hardened. The revolver barrel cylinder and frame are engraved with Germanic style scroll work on a punch-dot background. The engraved panels on the frame have a double-line border. The backstrap, top-strap and trigger guard are engraved with entwined lines, dots and zigzags. The forward edges of the lower frame and the top of the ejector housing are decorated with engraved with zigzags and dots. The engraving appears to be the work of Cuno A. Helfricht or his shop. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The caliber designation, "38 W.C.F." is located on the left side of the barrel in a raised panel. "41" is stamped on the underside of the barrel just ahead of the frame. The full serial number: "39/669" is stamped on the butt in two lines ahead of the lanyard loop. The partial serial number, "669" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The back of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "78".
BBL: 5 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 38-40 WCF
Finish: nickel
Grips: mother of pearl
Serial Number: 39669


Excellent. The revolver retains approximately 98% of the original nickel plated finish. The top of the hammer, trigger and screws have 90% or more of the niter blue finish. The engraving is crisp and deep. The grips are excellent; there are two insignificant blemishes in the lower and upper left grip. This is an excellent example of a rarely encountered, highly desireable, Hartley & Graham Engraved Colt 1878 D.A. revolver.