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LOT 1126
Antique Etched Panel Colt Model
1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action
Revolver with Extremely Rare 9 Inch Barrel and
Factory Letter - Serial no. 19688, 44-40 WCF cal., 9 inch
round bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. Based on research
conducted by noted Colt historian and author Don Wilkerson, this is one
of only two plain nickel plated Model 1878 revolvers with a 9 inch barrel in .44-40
WCF (see Colt’s Double-Auction Revolver Model of 1878,” page 261). The accompanying
factory letter states the rare special order revolver was shipped to E.C. Meacham Arms of St. Louis,
Missouri, on July 18, 1887, with a 9 inch barrel in .44 caliber, nickel finish, and type of stocks not listed. This
was a single gun shipment. It has the standard one-line address marked on top of the barrel and “COLT FRONTIER
SIX SHOOTER” on the left in the desirable etched panel. “44 CAL” is on the left of the trigger guard. It is fitted with a blade
front sight, frame top groove rear sight, a lanyard ring and stud on the butt, and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with
Rampant Colt’s at the top. Designed by William Mason and Charles Brinckerhoff, Colt’s factory manager and Superintendent
of Engineering, the Model 1878 revolver was intended to be a double action alternative to Colt’s legendary Single Action
Army revolver. With 51,210 being produced, the 1878 was never nearly as popular as its single action cousin; however, there
were still many that favored it in the West for its firepower, including Captain Jack Crawford, who replaced Buffalo Bill Cody
as “Chief of Scouts” shortly after the Battle of Little Bighorn.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% untouched original nickel finish with gray patina on the balance. The acid etched panel is
clearly legible. The well worn grips associated with a frontier issued sidearm are good. Mechanically excellent. This extremely
rare special order extra long barrel acid etched panel Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter DA revolver is a must have for the
serious Colt or frontier collector.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000