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Exceptional Late Production Colt 1878 Double Action Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:3,250.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Exceptional Late Production Colt 1878 Double Action Revolver
This is an exceptionally nice example of a late production Colt 1878 Double Action revolver. These pistols were produced from 1878 through 1905 with this example being made in early 1900. This was Colt's first big attempt to produce a large frame double action pistol firing one of the larger 45 caliber bullets. These were a well designed and well made pistol that was highly sought after by early western frontiersman and lawman, except they had one weak point. They have a weak main spring, which caused misfires that shortened their production life making them a scarce example today. These pistol were all finish with Colt's high polish all blue finish with the niter blue trigger and hammer with the sides of the hammer being polished. This pistol is fitted with a set of Colt's brown checkered hard rubber grips with the Colt rampant horse logo inside an oval at the top of each grip. This pistol is fitted with a 7 1/2 inch barrel that is marked on top "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A---" with the left side marked "45 COLT" and the underside is marked "45" directly in front of the frame. These revolvers have a one-piece frame with the circled Colt Rampant Horse logo on the left side of the frame directly in front of the grip panel with the full serial number (21256) located on the butt of the frame in front of the lanyard loop. The partial serial number (256) is located on the back side of the cylinder and the left side of the frame (under the grip panel) and the rear of the loading gate both carry the assembly number 112.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 LC
Finish: blue
Grips: checkered hard rubber
Serial Number: 41256
Condition: Excellent overall with 95% plus of its original Colt factory blued finish with wear and finish loss on the rear back strap, some minor blue loss on the front grip strap with some browning on the ejector housing and holster wear down the left side of the barrel. The grips are in excellent condition with no crack or damage showing very nice checkering on both sides of the grips. The markings are clear and sharp overall. A very nice example of a late production Colt 1878 Double Action revolver.