Colt Model of 1878 Double Action .45 Colt 6” Revolver, Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,500.00

WOA#: WY240517EG023

Make: Colt

Model: Model of 1878 Double Action Revolver

Serial Number: 25683

Year of Manufacture: 1890 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup) and Factory Colt Letter

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “45 COLT”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame under the panel and the rear of the loading gate are marked “85”. The left of the frame has a rampant colt in a circle. The butt is marked “25 / 683” in front of the lanyard loop. The rear face of the cylinder is  marked “683” and “B”.

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 & 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 scattered light marks and show slight discoloration from age. The checkering and Colts are fairly well defined, there are some smoothed portions in the checkering. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dull with well defined rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore. An 8/10 on the bore rating in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is scattered finish loss with strongest finish on the top-right and bottom of the barrel, the sides of the frame, and in protected areas such as around screws, the top of the trigger and corners. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches and minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are legible. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light 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: Comes with a Factory letter signed by historian Beverly Haynes

Our Assessment: The Colt DA 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 was made in 1890 and originally was shipped out to St. Louis MO. with a 7.5 inch barrel. It retains some 40% of the original finish, has nice rifling and strong mechanics. It would make a great antique addition to a Colt collection. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. -K.F.