The factory letter states the revolver was shipped on August 12, 1897 and delivered to William Read & Sons of Boston, Massachusetts with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .38-40 caliber, nickel finish, and hard rubber stocks. This was a single gun shipment. Per Don Wilkerson, Colt manufactured 75 Model 1878s with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .38 WCF and nickel finish. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Exceptionally fine overall with frosted original finish, overall crisp grip checkering. Mechanically excellent.