Manufactured in 1879 for sale via Colt's London Agency, this revolver is chambered for the 45 Boxer cartridge. An important developmental step for the large caliber double action revolver, the Model 1878, aka the Frontier, was available in a much wider selection of calibers than the Colt 1877, though some (like the 45 Colt and the smaller caliber target rounds popular at the English matches) are easier to find today than others. Blade front and frame groove rear sights, with the one line address "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON" on top of the barrel and "45 CAL/B" on the front left trigger guard shoulder. The area between the chambers on the cylinder is stamped with alternating "crown/V" and "crown/GP" proofs from the London Proof House, which are repeated on the underside of the barrel. Fitted with a niter blue hammer and trigger, a lanyard swivel, and a finely checkered pair of bird's head grips. With a red felt lined hardwood case, merchant-labeled inside the lid to Robert Jones of Liverpool, with 21 "K/6Z" stamped cartridges in a wooden block, a nickel-finished grease container, silver finished brass oiler, steel jag with silver finished brass components and threaded wire brush, and a section of patch material.

Very fine, with 80% of the original blue finish overall, showing a mixed brown and gray patina on the cylinder, ejector housing and grip straps, with a few dings on the barrel and scattered mild handling marks. 95% original vivid niter blue is present on the hammer and trigger, with some light spotting on the polished hammer sights. Grips are excellent, with a few tiny dings on the crisp checkering, attractive varnish and grain. The case is very good, with some mild cracks and warping of the lid on the exterior and some rubs and staining on the lining. Mechanically functions fine, but is a little loose.