Colt 1878 DA Frontier Six Shooter 7 1/2″ .44-40 WCF Revolver, 1889 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1765

LSB#: 210721TS68

Make: Colt

Model: 1878 Double Action Frontier Six Shooter

Serial Number: 24580

Year of Manufacture: 1889 (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 “44”. The left of the frame under the panel and the rear of the loading gate are marked “66”. The inside of each grip panel has “580” hand-written at the bottom edges. The butt is marked “24 / 580” in front of the lanyard loop. The rear face of the cylinder is  marked “580”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “44 CAL”.

Barrel Length: 7 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. There is a repaired chip-loss and crack at the bottom-rear of the right panel. Each panel has some scattered brown discoloration. Otherwise, there are a few scattered light marks in the well defined checkering. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition as repaired Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered minor erosion in the middle of the bore.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered light surface oxidation, most notable in the grip areas, and finish wear in the cylinder. The grip areas show handling wear. There are scratches along the side of the ejector housing. There are some other scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable 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 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 much of its original finish, has a great bore and strong mechanics. It would make a great addition to a Colt collection. Please see our photos and good luck!