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  • /Lot 1233

Lot 1233:Colt 1878 Revolver 44-40

December 5th, 2015|Rock Island, IL
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  • /Lot 1233

Lot 1233:Colt 1878 Revolver 44-40

December 5th, 2015|Rock Island, IL
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Estimated Price$22,500 - $35,000
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Very Fine and Equally Rare Documented Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver with Scarce Factory Monogram and Pearl Grips

Manufactured in 1887 and subsequently returned to factory to be engraved. It is pictured on page 249 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" by R. L. Wilson in the chapter "Cuno A. Helfricht & His Shop c. 1871-1921." The rear sides of the barrel and frame are engraved with a broad leaf floral scroll design with a punch dot background. Amid the engraving on the right rear of the frame is a large "FJ" for F. Jungling. Wilson states, "The monogram is of great rarity on any Colt firearm" and attributes the engraving to Cuno Helfricht himself. Each cylinder flute has a single broad leaf scroll design. The lower front sides of the frame have a geometric design, and there is a zigzag line and dot design on the upper edge of the ejector housing, rear edge of the cylinder, top of the frame directly behind the hammer, the back strap and on the trigger guard. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address, the left side "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" and the circled Rampant Colt is marked on the lower left rear of the frame. The upper left front of the trigger guard bow is marked "44CAL". The serial number is marked on the toe of the butt, "7?8" on the rear cylinder face and, "178" is on the loading gate. Standard blade and frame notch rear sights, nickel finish with nitre blue screw heads and small components and fitted with smooth pearl grips and a lanyard swivel on the butt.

ConditionVery fine as factory embellished with 98% nickel finish remaining, showing some mild muzzle and high point wear and a couple of tiny nicks on the barrel. There is some light wear and flaking on the cylinder. With the exception of the cylinder pin, almost all of the bright niter blue finish remains on the small components. The grips are excellent with a hairline crack on the right panel extending forward and backward from the screw escutcheon. The engraving and markings are clear. The action is excellent.
Details
ManufacturerColt
Model1878
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44-40
Barrel7 1/2 inch round
Finishnickel
Grippearl

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views2151
Catalog page102
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