Colt 1878 Frontier DA US 1902 Alaskan Philippine .45 LC Revolver, 1900 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,203.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP027
Make: Colt
Model: 1902, variant of the 1898 Double Action Frontier, US Ordnance, “Philippine” or “Alaskan”.
Serial Number: 44536
Year of Manufacture: 1900 (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 “4536”. The butt is marked with the serial on two lines “44 / 536” forward of the lanyard loop. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “R.A.C.”, “4536”, and “P”. The left side of the frame is marked “R.A.C.”. The right side of the frame is marked “J.T.T.”, “1902”, and “U.S.”. The left side of the trigger bow at the front is marked “R.A.C.”.
Barrel Length: 6”
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 panelThere are minor nicks and compressions on the smooth areas of both. The left side Colt is fairly well defined, the right is somewhat bald. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is light to mild erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 30% of its metal finish. The barrel has a few patches of light pitting from erosion along with a few light nicks. The frame has moderate thinning and finish loss on most edges. The topstrap, trigger guard, frontstrap, and the backstrap have gone to white and to a light patina. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are fairly clear. Overall, this revolver rates Good condition.
Mechanics: There is play on the cylinder which rotates clockwise freely on five chambers, otherwise the action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with some 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: 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. In 1902, US Ordinance would procure nearly 5,000 of what is called the “Philippine” or “Alaskan” variant. It features a shorter 6” barrel and an oversized trigger guard and long trigger to allow more leverage on the strengthened mainsprings to fire .45 Colt Government rounds which were less sensitive compared to civilian .45 Colt ammunition. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
