Colt Pall Mall London Address 1878 DA Frontier .476 Enfield Revolver, 1891
SOLD FOR: $2225
LSB#: 210721TS46
Make: Colt
Model: 1878 Double Action Frontier
Serial Number: 28040
Year of Manufacture: 1891 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .476 Enfield
Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “476-CAL.”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON”, the bottom is marked “471” and with two British proof marks. The cylinder has British proofs at the rear of each flute. The left of the frame under the panel and the rear of the loading gate are marked “134”. The butt is marked “28 / 040” in front of the lanyard loop. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “40”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “G”. The inside of each grip panel has “40” hand-written on the flat portion by the screw hole.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notch in the top strap. The front sight is a 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. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering is well defined and there is good detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. The rifling appears to be Henry-type or Colt’s version thereof, with thin lands and wide grooves. There is some scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore, mostly along the edges of the lands.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is finish wear and light surface oxidation scattered throughout. There is some light scraping along the barrel and the frame flats. There is a cluster of light nicks on the backstrap toward the bottom. There are a few other scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with very little 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. Fewer still were shipped to Colt’s London Depot in England, and this is one example. The revolver is chambered for the .476 Enfield cartridge, which would have been more popular in England during the 1890s than most of Colt’s other offerings. This example retains some of its original finish, has a decent bore and strong mechanics. The Pall Mall barrel address and Enfield chambering is more scarce than many other variations and this revolver would make a great addition to a Colt or even a British revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!