Manufactured in 1884. The barrel has the one line Hartford address on top and "45 COLT" on the left side with "45 COLT" on the left side of the trigger guard. Nickel plated with niter blue trigger and hammer (polished sides). Fitted with checkered Rampant Colt grips and a lanyard ring on the butt. The brown leather open toe holster is stamped with the number "45" on the flap and two diamonds tooled on the body. The revolver falls into the serial number range (8,731-14,996, established by noted expert and author Don Wilkerson) of Model 1878s that were purchased by the Canadian Department of Militia & Defence from the American firm of Hartley & Graham. According to Wilkerson, Hartley & Graham made eight different shipments of Model 1878s to Canada in 1885 for a total of 690 revolvers. All of the Model 1878s shipped to Canada were in .45 caliber with 7 1/2 inch barrels and had a nickel finish (see COLT'S DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER MODEL OF 1878, pages 251-257).

Very fine. The revolver retains 70% plus original nickel finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. Some mild pitting is present (mostly on the cylinder). The grips are also very fine with a few minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Cylinder is slightly loose, otherwise mechanically fine. The holster is very good with flex wear and handling marks.