Colt manufactured 51,210 Model 1878's from 1878 to 1905. This revolver was manufactured in 1897 with a fixed blade front sight, "V" notch rear sight, and small two line address on top of the barrel. "38 W.C.F." on the left side, circled Rampant Colt on the left side of the frame in front of the grip, serial number stamped on the butt just ahead of the lanyard ring, partial serial number "181" stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and the loading gate is marked "43". Black checkered grips with the Rampant Colt in an oval at the tops. The butt of this particular revolver is pictured in Wilkerson's book, "Colt's Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878" on page 165 showing examples of how the serial numbers are marked on the butts.

Fine. The revolver retains 70% plus thinning original finish on the frame and barrel with some high edge wear. The grip straps have a smooth gray patina. Most of the fire blue finish remains on the trigger and hammer. The cylinder has been touched up in one of the chambers with pitting visible under the dull blue. The grips have faded to brown and remain very good with a few minor nicks and crisp checkering. Markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically fine.