Colt Model 1878 Double Action Frontier .44-40 Winchester Revolver, Antique

SOLD FOR: $1275

LSB#: 210612TP09

Make: Colt

Model: 1878 Double Action Frontier Six Shooter

Serial Number: 36741

Year of Manufacture: 1897 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester

Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”, the bottom is marked “V 44”. The left of the frame under the panel and the rear of the loading gate are marked “235”. The inside of the right panel has “HIN” hand scribed. The left of the frame has a rampant colt in a circle. The butt is marked “36 / 741” in front of the lanyard loop. The rear face of the cylinder is  marked “741” and “I”.

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notch in the top strap. The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered hard rubber with smooth borders, wedge-shaped smooth base and rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. There is a chip at the rear of the left panel. There is a notable nick near the bottom of the right panel. The grips have other scattered light marks and show slight discoloration from age. The checkering and Colts are fairly well defined, there are some smoothed portions in the checkering. Overall, the grips are in about Fair-Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with well defined rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 30% of its metal finish. There is scattered finish loss with strongest finish on the top-right and bottom of the barrel, the sides of the frame, and in protected areas such as around screws, the top of the trigger and corners. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches and minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are legible. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is heavy, but fairly smooth. The single action is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt DA Frontier Revolver, Model of 1878 was made until 1905, when swing-out cylinder double-action revolvers started to push loading gate revolvers out of the market. About 51,210 of these revolvers were made, with about 41,000 produced prior to 1899. This example retains some original finish, has a nice bore and strong mechanics. It would make a great addition to a Colt collection. Please see our photos and good luck!