Manufactured in early 1898, this is an exceptionally fine example of one of Colt's first forays into the realm of double action revolvers. According to Don Wilkerson in "Colt's Double Action Revolver Model of 1878" only 552 Model 1878 revolver were produced with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, .38-40 caliber, and blue finish. The included factory letter lists the revolver in .38-40 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and rubber grips when shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales in New York on 19 February 1898 in a three gun shipment. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard one-line address, while the caliber marking is on the left. There is a circled Rampant Colt on the left lower rear of the frame. The serial number is marked on the butt and matching last three digits are on the rear face of the cylinder and in pencil inside the right grip. The assembly number "14" is marked on the loading gate and left of the grip frame. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame-top groove rear sight, and a lanyard swivel on the butt.

Very fine, retains 85% of the original blue finish with a few patches of mild handling/holster type wear and some light edge wear showing a grey patina, as well as a few scattered patches of light freckling. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.