The Model 1878 revolver was intended by Colt to be a double action alternative to Colt's legendary Single Action Army revolver, and an improvement over their previous foray into the double action market with the Model 1877. With 51,210 being produced, the Model 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. Offered here is an ejectorless 4 inch barrel Model 1877 simply known as the Sheriff's Model that received a period New York engraving and silver plating. Whether on the hip of a lawman or under the counter of a storekeeper's shop, these Sheriff's Model Colt DAs were at the forefront of taming the wilds in growing cities or the western frontier, as well as in the holsters of all manner of ruffians and outlaws. Today these Sheriff's Model 1878s hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. The engraving consists mostly of floral scrollwork on punch dot background, zig-zag line motifs, and fan pattern behind the hammer. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address, and the left side of the trigger guard is marked "45 CAL." The cylinder is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly numbers appear on the grip frame and loading gate. The factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Hartley & Graham of New York City on May 23, 1882, with a 4 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a five gun shipment. Provenance: The Charles Schreiner Collection; The Charles Marx Collection

Very fine as period New York engraved, retaining 80% of the retailer silver plating which has mostly taken on an attractive age darkened appearance. There is some pitting on the back strap. The grips are very good with a chip on the right panel. Mechanically functions fine. It is not often that we catalog New York engraved Colt Model 1878 Sheriff's Model DA Revolvers.