Colt Model 1878 Double Action Frontier 45 Colt Nickel Revolver 1885 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1650
LSB#: 210722TS88
Make: Colt
Model: 1878 Double Action Frontier
Serial Number: 14644
Year of Manufacture: 1885 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The rear of the loading gate is marked “553”. The butt is marked with the serial on two lines “14 / 644” forward of the lanyard loop. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “644” and “L”.
Barrel Length: 7 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 and 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 right panel has a cluster of light nicks. The checkering is otherwise well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good-to-Very Good condition, as Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel Plated
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with well defined rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and light stubborn fouling in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 66% of its metal finish. The barrel has scattered light nicks and scuffs, a spot of verdigris, and a few light drag lines. The cylinder has light nicks through the finish throughout. The frame has scattered spots of light finish loss. The action has light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are fairly clear. Overall, this revolver rates Good-to-Very 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 fairly smooth. The single action is exceedingly light. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver includes a brown leather holster.
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 a fair bit of its original finish, has a decent bore and strong mechanics. It would make a great addition to a Colt collection. Please see our photos and good luck!