Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1167

Lot 1167:Colt 1878 Revolver 450 Boxer

December 8th, 2013|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1167

Lot 1167:Colt 1878 Revolver 450 Boxer

December 8th, 2013|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$8,000 - $12,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Very Early Production Colt London Agency Model 1878 Double Action Revolver in Scarce 45 Boxer Chambering, Cased with Accessories

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.

ConditionVery 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.
Details
ManufacturerColt
Model1878
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge450 Boxer
Barrel5 1/2 inch round
Finishblue
Gripwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views2598
Catalog page80
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 3212British Military .450 Boxer Antique Colt London 1878 Revolver
View Lot
Lot 147Colt London Agency Model 1878 Double Action Revolver in 476 Eley
View Lot
Lot 3022Canadian Department of Militia Antique Colt 1878 Revolver
View Lot
Lot 73Engraved Omnipotent Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver
View Lot
Show More