Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3173

Lot 3173:Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Revolver

December 8th, 2024|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3173

Lot 3173:Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Revolver

December 8th, 2024|Bedford, TX
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$5,000 - $7,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Very Fine Documented Colt San Francisco Agency Shipped Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Designed by William Mason and Charles Brinckerhoff, Colt's factory manager and Superintendent of Engineering, the Model 1878 revolver was intended to be a double action alternative to Colt's legendary Single Action Army revolver. With 51,210 being produced, the 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 a high condition example as manufactured in 1898 and shipped out West. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Colt San Francisco Agency, San Francisco, California, on July 1, 1898 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .44 caliber, and hard rubber stocks. This was a 23 gun shipment. The barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address on top and stamped "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" on the left side. The left side of the frame has an encircled Rampant Colt. These Model 1878s in .44 WCF are also very popular with today's collectors. The matching assembly number "291" appears on the grip frame and loading gate. The cylinder has the matching partial serial number "849." Provenance: Property of a Gentleman

ConditionVery fine, retaining 80% plus original blue finish with muzzle and edge wear, spot of wear on the trigger guard, and the grip straps mostly a gray patina. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive and sought after Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter revolver that made it out West.
Details
ManufacturerColt
Model1878
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44-40 WCF
Barrel5 1/2 inch round
Finishblue
Griphard rubber
Bore conditionThe bore is bright with crisp rifling.

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views1455
Catalog page112
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 1155Antique Colt London 1878 Revolver in .455 with Factory Letter
View Lot
Lot 3212British Military .450 Boxer Antique Colt London 1878 Revolver
View Lot
Lot 1140Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips
View Lot
Lot 142Colt Officer's Model Target Double Action Revolver
View Lot
Show More