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Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:3,250.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips
This is an example of a scarce Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 DA revolver. Based on the serial number (22945) of this revolver, it was produced in mid 1889. It is estimated that less than 200 1878 DA revolvers were ever factory engraved (no factory letter is available at time of description). It has the very desirable Cuno Helfricht engraved pattern that covers approximately 75% plus of the metal surfaces in the traditional large scroll engraving with geometric designed engraving with a punch dot background, that originally had a nickel plated finish and is fitted with a set of mother of pearl grips. The top of the barrel is marked with the short, Colt two-line markings that consist of "COLT'S. PT. F. A. MFG. Co/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." and the revolver is correctly marked "45 Cal." on the left front section of the trigger guard bow. The barrel engraving consists of the large scroll engraving on both side with the punch dot back ground shading with the classic geometric engraved pattern on top of the barrel around the markings that extend to the front sight and on top of the ejector housing. The rear and lower sides of the frame also have the large scroll engraving pattern with the punch dot background with the front portion of the frame also having the geometric patterns around the push pin area, the sides of the chamber area and the top strap. The left rear section of the frame has a large eight pointed star or rosette pattern engraving that covers the entire round action cover. The geometric pattern engraving is also located on the top rear section of the frame that extends down the backstrap and onto the trigger guard bow. The cylinder has the same geometric/star burst Helfricht pattern on the sides of the cylinder in between the flutes. The butt of the revolver is serial numbered 22945, with the Colt factory assembly number (253) located on the lower left side of the frame, the loading gate and the rear of the cylinder. The revolver has a nickel plated finish on the metal parts and it is fitted with a set of original mother of pearl grips.
BBL: 4 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 LC
Finish: nickel
Grips: mother of pearl
Serial Number: 22945
Condition: Fine overall with 40% of the original factory nickel plated finish remaining with the majority of the nickel plating remaining in the protected area with the remaining metal finish having just flaked off due to use and age, such as the top and underside of the barrel, the sides of the frame around the push in area, the front top strap area, inside the front grip strap, and the lower sides of the frame. The markings and engraving are clear and distinct except the left side of the barrel which is due to holster wear on the western frontier. The replacement pearl grips are in very fine condition and show excellent color on both sides with no cracks, chips or damage. Certainly a very nice example of a Colt 1878 DA revolver with Helfricht engraving, that would be worth doing some research on.