Colt 1878 Double Action revolver with Colt factory letter that states the revolver was shipped to the London Agency on January 13, 1881. The letter lists the barrel as 5 1/2-inch, the finish as blue and the caliber as ".45/c". The revolver has black, hard rubber 'bird's head' grips. The grips are checkered and embossed with the Rampant Colt trademark. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14. PALL MALL LONDON." in one line. The underside of the barrel is stamped with British "Crown/CP" and "Crown/V" proof and inspection marks. The left front trigger guard bow is stamped with the caliber designation: "45 CAL/B" which indicates that the revolver was chambered for the .450 Boxer cartridge. British proof and inspection marks are stamped on the cylinder behind the chamber flutes. The full serial number "3162" is stamped on the bottom of the butt in front of the lanyard loop. The partial serial number, "162", is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and on the rear face of the loading gate. All of the visible serial numbers match. Colt manufactured 2,390 1878 D.A. revolvers chambered for the .450 Boxer cartridge for sale throughout the British Empire.

Fine. The revolver retains approximately 30% plus of the original high polish blue finish; the balance of the blue finish has faded to a blue-brown patina. The revolver shows careful handling wear with no pitting. All of the markings are extremely crisp. The bore is bright. The grips show the same light handling wear as the rest of the revolver and remain in very good condition. The action functions fine. This is a fine example of a Colt 1878 D.A. revolver with London address chambered for the British .450 Boxer cartridge.