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Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Frontier Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Frontier Revolver
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Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Frontier Cartridge Revolver, with holster, #7264, .44-40 CF cal., 5.5'' round barrel marked ''Colt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co. Hartford, CT. U.S.A.'' in one line, full nickel-plated finish, two-piece ivory ''bird's head'' grips. Visible serial number ''7264'' appears on bottom of grip straps ahead of lanyard loop; loading gate is unmarked; the numbers ''2-6-4'' are stamped between each bore on rear of cylinder. Engraving on backstrap is barely legible but appears to read “R.H. Ward to N.S. Ward, San Antonio, Tex., Apr. 85”. Mfg'd. 1881. Left front triggerguard bow has the ''44 C.F.'' designation in tiny numbers. A 2013-dated Colt factory letter accompanying this revolver states that it was shipped to Hartley and Graham, New York City, on Dec. 31, 1881 in a shipment of 60 guns, and states that it left the factory with a 7.5'' barrel, blued finish and grips ''Not Listed''. It is likely that H&G shortened the barrel to the present 5.5'' and had the gun engraved in a loose scrolling-vine ''New York'' style at the time. The ivory grips may have been added then as well, although the number ''64'' is written in pencil inside the left panel. Condition is fine, retaining approx. 80% nickel plate showing erosion mainly at right side of frame and in cylinder flutes. Markings are very good, engraving is mostly sharp. Ivory grips are without cracks, have a small loss along right backstrap, and show excellent coloration. Action is smooth and tight but cylinder does not lock up at full cock; bore is very good with defined rifling. Holster is unmarked but shows quality workmanship with deep floral carving and an early American Indian symbol on the Mexican loop. Est.: $1,500-$2,500. (Antique)