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Based on Wilkerson’s reading of the available
factory records, “A total of 174 revolvers were
shipped to Kittredge between the first Omnipotent
marked invoice on August 6, 1878, and the last
Omnipotent marked invoice on Mary 13, 1882. The
author tends to think all of these revolvers were
probably etched with the Omnipotent marking. If
we count only those revolvers listed as Omnipotent
in the records (the only revolvers that will definitely
letter as Omnipotent) we have only 154 revolvers”
(page 236).
“Omnipotent” is defined by Merriam-Webster
as “having complete or unlimited power,” often
associated with deities. It is a name that truly
fits the Model 1878 in powerful .45 caliber.
Unfortunately, the “Omnipotent” trade name did
not catch on like Peacemaker did for the SAA. The
revolver was manufactured in 1881. As stated,
the left side of the barrel has the incredibly rare
“OMNIPOTENT” acid etched panel. The top of
the barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford
address. “45 CAL” is stamped on the left side of the
trigger guard. The full serial number appears on
the butt ahead of the lanyard loop and loading
gate and matching partial serial number “830” on
the rear cylinder face with the individual numbers
stamped between the chambers. Besides the
matching serial number, the rear cylinder face is
also stamped with a factory “P” inspection mark.
The accompanying factory letter (copy) states
the revolver was shipped to B. Kittredge & Co. of
Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 11, 1879 and confirms
the 7 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel finish, grip
material, and “Omnipotent” barrel marking. This was
a five fun shipment.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% plus
untouched original nickel finish with a mix of gray
patina and flaking on the balance. The acid etched
barrel panel is crisp, nearly complete. The grips are
also very fine with some typical age lines, a few
handling marks, and highly attractive color and
grain pattern. Mechanically functions fine, although
slightly out of time. An incredibly rare “Omnipotent”
acid etched Colt Model 1878 DA revolver which is
missing from even the most advanced collections.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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