This revolver is consecutively serial numbered with the previous factory cut-away Model 1878. These revolvers are referenced by R.L Wilson in "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" where he notes: "Cutaways appear on the M Hammerless gun, page 330 (B) and on Serial #2, #3, #1248, #3033, and #30327 in the Connecticut State Library collection". In "COLT'S DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER MODEL OF 1878," author Don Wilkerson states that six Colt Model 1878 DA revolvers were discovered during research and that serial number 1 was in the Museum of Connecticut History. He further states: "Serial numbers 2 and 3 are also known to be cutaways, but were not personally examined by the author. It is assumed that these three cutaway revolvers were assembled within their own serial number range." The revolver is cut away on the left side of the frame and side plate. The cuts appear nearly identical to Model 1878 cutaway serial number 1248 illustrated on page 336 of "COLT'S DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER". Like serial number 1248, the barrels of serial number 3 has the dual Hartford/London address roll-stamped on the top of the barrel, and the revolver lacks caliber markings on the barrel and trigger guard. The serial numbers are stamped on butt ahead of the lanyard loop and on the rear face of the loading gate. The inside of the grips are badly oil-stained, and no markings are visible. It has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish on the barrel, frame, and cylinder. The trigger, top of the hammer, loading gate, and screw heads have a fire blue finish. The sides of the hammer and trigger are polished bright. The lanyard loop is color casehardened. The checkered walnut grips have the bird's head shape and a piano varnish finish. Colt factory cutaway revolvers are extremely rare. A consecutively serial numbered pair of Colt factory cutaways like these fine revolvers is almost unique. Provenance: Ex David Woloch Collection.

Very fine with 75% plus of the bright original high polish finish. The finish on the left side of the barrel has scattered flaking. The back strap shows handling wear and has faded to a smooth gray patina. The balance of the revolver has scattered minor handling marks. Most of the fire blue finish is present on the hammer top and loading gate. The fire blue finish on the trigger has faded slightly. The grips are in excellent condition with sharp checkering and retain most of the varnish finish. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the second and third production Colt Model 1878 DA revolvers in exceptional condition!