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Lot 1180:Pair of London Shipped, Colt Model 1878 Revolvers

May 14th, 2022|Rock Island, IL

Lot 1180:Pair of London Shipped, Colt Model 1878 Revolvers

May 14th, 2022|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$3,750 - $6,500

A) Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver

This pair of revolvers were both manufactured in 1878, the first year of production, and have been cased as a pair. The tops of the barrels of both are marked "COLT'S PT F A MFG Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14. PALL MALL LONDON". The left sides of the trigger guards are marked "45 CAL/B", signifying their chambering in the .450 Boxer (.45 Eley Short) cartridge. The "B" gun also has a small "C" and faint Rampant Colt on the lower right forward portion of the frame. Both have small British proofs on various parts. They are fitted with blade and frame notch sights, and checkered walnut grips. Includes a canvas wrapped luggage style case fitted for both revolvers, marked "F.J.H." on the exterior of the lid, and has an interior label marked for Colts Pt. Firearms Mfg. Co. as well as with the Depot 14 Pall Mall address, and contains a cleaning rod. Each revolver comes with a factory letter that confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .450 Boxer and blue finish with type of stocks not listed. Serial no. 1225 (gun "A") was shipped on November 21, 1878, and serial number 1119 (gun "B") was shipped on November 11, 1878. Both revolvers were part of shipments to Colt's London Agency.

Rating definitionFine, retains 40% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, tool marks around screw heads, and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The grips are also fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, mild wear, and well-defined checkering. Mechanically functions fine with slight play in the cylinder.

Details

ManufacturerColt

Model1878

TypeRevolver

Serial number

ClassAntique

Barrel5 1/2 inch round

Finishblue

Gripwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page146

B) Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver

See "A".

Rating definitionFine, retains 40% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a grey-brown patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The left side of the frame is slightly battered around the hammer retention disc. The grips are also fine with some light handling marks, mild wear, and well-defined checkering. Mechanically functions fine. The case is fair with the two ends of the lid detached but included, tears, and significant wear.