Colt Model 1878 Frontier .32-30 WCF Colt Nickel D/A Revolver 1893 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1237
LSB#: 210723TS14
Make: Colt
Model: 1878 “Frontier”
Serial Number: 32083
Year of Manufacture: 1893 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .32-20 WCF
Action Type: DA/SA Double or Single Action Side Gate Loaded Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “32 W. C. F.”. The left side of the frame is marked with the rampant colt. The rear of the loading gate is marked “180”. The butt is marked with the serial on two lines “32 / 083” forward of the lanyard loop. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “83”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered hard rubber with smooth borders, wedge-shaped smooth bases and rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. Each panel has spots where the checkering is lightly worn down or balding, and the smooth edges have intermittent minor nicks and compressions. 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 rather dark but has well-defined rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore and moderate stubborn fouling throughout.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 0% of its metal finish. All metal surfaces have light-to-moderate surface oxidation or have otherwise gone to a light patina. Certain spots across the revolver and most edges have gone to white. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked, all have usable slots. The markings are fairly clear. Overall, this revolver rates Good condition, as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with minor play when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is a little on the heavy side. The single action is crisp. 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: 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 lacks its original finish, and the bore could use some elbow grease—that said, none of us would function quite so well at 128 years of age. This revolver still has much to recommend it. This is a chance to own a firearm designed by William Mason, a man who worked for Remington, Colt, and Winchester, and whose own mechanical genius earned him 126 patents and both the ire and respect of his contemporary John Moses Browning. This Colt M1878 Frontier would make a great addition to a Colt collection. Good luck and happy bidding!