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LOT 137
Outstanding, One of the Finest Known, Antique Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver as Pictured in “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver Model of 1878” by Don Wilkerson - Serial no. 38234, 44-40 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1898, this is an outstanding example of a Colt Model 1878 double action revolver. This revolver is certainly one of the finest we have ever had the pleasure of offering
to the public and is one of the finest known to exist. This specific Model 1878 is
pictured and described on p. 191 of “ Colt’s Double-Action Revolver Model of 1878”
by Don Wilkerson. These Model 1878 revolvers, along with the smaller Model 1877
revolver, were Colt’s first foray into the realm of double action revolvers and thus
represent the very start of a long legacy of Colt revolvers that carried the company
into the 20th century. Only 51,210 Model 1878 revolvers were manufactured
compared to 111,500 of the smaller Model 1877, making revolvers, such as this
outstanding example, relatively scarce. The standard one-line address is marked on
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK "COLT'S DOUBLE-ACTION
REVOLVER MODEL OF 1878" BY WILKERSON
top of the barrel and “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” is on the left. The loading gate is numbered “48” The circled Rampant Colt is on the left of the frame, and the serial number is marked on the butt. It is fitted with blade and frame-top notch sights and a lanyard loop on the butt, as well as a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey
patina, most noticeably near the muzzle, on edges, and the back strap. 90% plus of the bright original niter blue remains on
the hammer, trigger, and screws. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An opportunity to add
one of the finest know Model 1878 revolvers to your Colt double action collection!
Provenance: The Jim Sloan Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 14,000 - 19,000
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