Manufactured in 1882, this is a solid example of a Colt Model 1878 revolver produced for Colt's London Agency and cased by London retailer Charles Lancaster. 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 oak case with blank brass plaque on the lid and a Charles Lancaster retailer label on the inside of the lid, as well as a cleaning rod.

Fine, retains 75% of the high polish original blue finish with some mild wear and scattered flaking showing a brown patina and some scattered minor dings and scratches. The grips are good with a large chip absent from the rear edge of the left panel and a few minor handling marks. Mechanically fine. The case is fine with some minor handling/storage marks.