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LOT 3126
Incredibly Rare
Well-Documented Experimental Prototype Ehbets Patent Colt Hammerless
Model 1878 Double Action Revolver, Featured in “The Book of Colt Firearms”
and “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver Model of 1878” - NSN, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2
inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut grips. Rock Island Auction Company is pleased
to present this factory experimental prototype Colt Hammerless Model 1878 double
action revolver designed by Colt employee Carl J. Ehbets. This is the only known example
of its kind witnessed by this writer. The revolver is covered under U.S. patent number 306596 of
Carl J. Ehbets, originally filed on June 23, 1884, and granted on October 14, 1884. In the patent text
the inventor states, “This invention relates to an improvement in revolving fire-arms, with special
reference to the hammer. In the more general construction of revolvers, the hammer extends up
through the frame, and is provided with a thumb-piece, by which, if occasion requires, the hammer
may be turned. Accidents frequently occur in the use of these arms, due chiefly to the exposure of this
projecting part of the hammer... The object of my invention is to conceal the hammer and yet permit it
to swing upon its pivot in the usual manner.” The revolver functions in double action only. This exact revolver is
pictured next to the referenced patent on page 333 of “The Book of Colt Firearms” by Wilson and Sutherland, where it is noted as having been a part of
Robert Q. Sutherland’s collection. This revolver is also pictured on page 332 of “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878” by Don Wilkerson, where it
is noted as part of the Charles Marx collection. Carl Julius Ehbets (1845-1925) reportedly immigrated from Germany to the United States around 1866. A
skilled engineer, he went to work for Pratt & Whitney prior to moving on to Colt where he was a senior technical employee in charge of patents and design
development. Throughout his career, he would influence nearly all of Colt’s major developments including the Gatling gun, revolvers, rifles, automatic
pistols, and machine guns. He was an honorary member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and was widely known in his profession. In the
early 20th century, Ehbets served as Colt’s patent attorney. One-line address “COLTS PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.-” marked on top of the barrel,
no other visible markings or serial numbers are on the revolver. An empty unthreaded hole is located on the butt where a sling swivel would typically
reside on a standard production Model 1878, which this prototype shares many visual similarities with while being distinctly different.
CONDITION: Very fine, exhibiting bright “in the white” surfaces with some minor surface freckling, and a crisp barrel address. The grips are also very fine
with handling marks and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This experimental prototype Ehbets Patent Colt Hammerless Model 1878
revolver serves as a significant evolutionary piece in the story of Colt firearms!
Provenance: The Robert Q. Sutherland Collection; The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
As pictured & described in The
Book of Colt Firearms by Wilson
& Colt's Double Action Revolver
Model of 1878 by Wilkerson
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