Manufactured in 1885, this solid representative example of a Colt Model 1878 revolver was produced for Colt's London Agency. 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. The top of the barrel is marked with the very scarce one-line Colt Depot 14 Pall Mall London address. There are British proofs on the bottom of the barrel and on the cylinder between each chamber. The caliber marking is on the left of the trigger guard and the serial number is marked on the butt. It is fitted with standard sights, a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops, and a lanyard swivel on the butt. Includes an unmarked leather holster.

Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish with the balance having faded to mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered patches of very light surface pitting. The grips are also fine with a few light handling marks, a few areas faded to chocolate brown, and crisp checkering. Mechanically fine. The holster is fair with a few tears, moderate wear, and some period repairs.