Manufactured in 1890, the 476 caliber Colt Model 1878 DA revolver was produced and primarily marketed as a military revolver with no frills. The 476 caliber was developed because of the failure of the 455 cartridge to seal the bore when fired from the Enfield revolver with it's Henry type rifling. The bullet diameter was enlarged from 11.5 mm to 12.1 mm and the weight was kept at 265 grains. The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. FA. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14. PALL MALL LONDON" and the left side is marked "476- CAL." The circled Rampant Colt appears on the lower left rear of the frame, the serial number is marked on the butt just ahead of the lanyard ring, partial serial number "941" is marked on the rear face of the cylinder and the assembly number "261" is marked on the loading gate and on the left side of the backstrap under the grip. The revolver also features the standard blade front and "V" notch rear sights and black checkered birds head grips with the Rampant Colt molded at the tops. The trigger, hammer top and rear, and screws are finished in a niter blue. The revolver is complete with a mahogany locking case with brass hardware and green lining, an extra cylinder, metal cleaning rod with a brass handle, cleaning brush and key. According to Wilkerson's book " Colt's Double Action Revolver Model of 1878" a total of 2,458 .476 caliber revolvers were shipped, the majority, 1,682, were the blue models with a 5 1/2 inch barrel. From the Renaud de Kerchove d'Ousselghem collection.

Excellent. The revolver retains approximately 90-95% of the bright original high polish blue finish. The ejector rod housing retains a balance of bright flaked high polish blue finish with the remaining areas a crisp smooth gray patina. The remainder of the revolver shows high edge wear, thinning near the muzzle and on the front strap and light scratches on the backstrap. The hammer, screws, and trigger retain almost all of the bright niter blue finish. The grips are excellent plus with crisp checkering and light handling marks. All markings are crisp and clear. The action is tight. The period shooters case is very good. A very nice, desirable, and exceptional Colt Model 1878 DA in 476 caliber with extra cylinder.