Both mentioned and photographed multiple times in Don Wilkerson's book "Colt's Double Action Revolver, Model of 1878" (pages 280, 282-283), this is one of only 728 Model 1878 revolvers in this chambering, with the bulk ending up abroad. A pair of Colt factory letters are included, dated 1984 and 2007, which list this gun as "44 S&W" and ".44/c", one of 2 sent to "L.C. Genova" on March 12, 1891, and confirm all features but the "Not Listed" grips. Correspondence of von Oppen, Colt's London agent, would identify "L.C." as Luigi Columbo of Genova, Italy. Fitted with fixed sights, the barrel is marked with the single line Hartford address on top, ".44-S&W." on the left side, and a small "44" on the underside. The frame has the circled Rampant Colt on the left side near the grip. Grips are checkered hard rubber, with the inverted "V" patterns at the bottom, and Rampant Colt icons at the top. Bird's head butt configuration, with lanyard swivel. Matching partial serial number on the rear cylinder face. No London proofs are present. In a hardwood, red felt lined case with a paper inner label marked "E.M. REILLY & Co/ Breech Loading Gun & Rifle Manufacturers/ 315, Oxford Street, London, w./ Near Regent Circus", cleaning rod, oiler, L shaped tool, and cartridge block with 28 spaces and 15 assorted Eley brand cartridges.

Excellent, with approximately 95% of the bright original high polish blue finish, showing a brown patina on the grip straps, mixed colors on the ejector housing, and scattered spotting and light handling marks overall. The hammer and trigger show 99% of the original vivid niter blue. Grips are excellent, with lightening of the color at the butt and minor pressure dents. Case is very fine, with storage nicks and dings on the exterior. Excellent action.