This is an excellent example of a Colt Model 1878 Double Action revolver that was manufactured in 1904. This late production revolver is chambered for the .38-40 cartridge and has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish. The trigger, top of the hammer and screws are fire blued and the cylinder pin and lanyard loop are color casehardened. The distinctive, two-piece checkered bird's head grips are embossed with the Rampant Colt trademark in an oval. The revolver has the standard lanyard swivel and loop mounted on the butt and the hammer spur has elongated, bordered, knurling. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "COLT'S P.T. FA. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in a single line. The caliber designation, "'38 W.C.F.", is roll-stamped on the left side of the barrel. "41" is stamped on the underside of the barrel next to the frame (Colt used the same diameter barrel for .38-40 and 41 Colt calibers). A "5" assembler's mark is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The full serial number "50/881" is stamped on the bottom of the butt, and the partial serial number "881" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The left side of the butt beneath the grip and the loading gate are stamped with the assembly number "191". All of the serial numbers and assembly numbers match. Colt only manufactured a total of 411 caliber .38-40 Model 1878 DA revolvers with a blued finish between 1878 and 1905.

Excellent. The revolver retains 98% plus of the original high polish blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder and frame. Wear is limited to some very minor finish loss at the muzzle, end or the ejector housing, front edge of the cylinder and edge of the loading gate with some thinning on the back strap. Nearly all of the fire blue finish remains on the screws, hammer, and trigger. The cylinder pin and lanyard swivel have strong case colors. There are several small chips on the inside edge of the grips and a hairline crack in the heel of the left grip but the grips remain in very fine condition. All of the markings, serial numbers and assembly numbers are crisp. The action functions perfectly. This is an outstanding example of a scarce late production .38-40 Colt Model 1878 Double Action revolver with desirable blue finish,