The factory letter lists this early Model 1878 revolver in a shipment of 56 guns of this type in ".45 Eley Short" with blue finish and a 5 1/2 inch barrel when shipped to Colt's London Agency at 14 Pall Mall on September 26, 1878. It has been theorized that the "Short" cartridge designation was a recording error/misinterpretation based on Colt's agent Von Oppen ordering "short" revolvers. This revolver and the others we have sold that are lettered as ".45 Eley Short" have "short" 5 1/2 inch barrels rather than "long" 7 1/2 inch barrels. Note: the caliber marking on the left side of the trigger guard is "45 CAL/B" which suggest .450 Boxer ammunition which was the standard English service cartridge until 1880. It also has standard blade and groove/notch sights, " COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON." on top of the barrel, small London proofs on the barrel and cylinder, the matching early serial number "564" on the cylinder as well as the loading gate and butt, checkered walnut grips hand numbered to the gun, and a lanyard loop on the butt. The included oak case matches others with London Agency shipped Colt revolvers and has a London trade label inside, an L-shaped combination tool, oiler, and cartridge block.