Factory 12 Inch "Buntline" Barrel Nickel Plated Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter, Formerly of The William Locke Collection for sale

Guns International #: 103665356 | Seller's Inventory #: 40953191

Categories: Colt Pistols | Colt Pistols - Antique

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Categories:
Colt Pistols | Colt Pistols - Antique

Factory 12 Inch "Buntline" Barrel Nickel Plated Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter, Formerly of The William Locke Collection

Description:
An extraordinary Colt Model 1878 “Buntline” revolver with exceptional factory provenance, published documentation, and a reportedly unique factory configuration—an elite-level rarity for advanced Colt collectors.

Accompanied by a factory letter confirming:
- Shipped as a single-gun shipment on August 30, 1886
- Sent to Schoverling, Daly & Gales in New York City
- Current configuration with:
  - Extremely rare 12-inch barrel
  - .45 caliber / .45 Long Colt chambering
  - Nickel finish
  - Hard rubber stocks, meaning original-style hard rubber grips
True Colt collecting rarity:
- This 12-inch “Buntline” barreled Colt Model 1878 revolver is reportedly the only known example factory made in this exact configuration
- Shipped in .45 Long Colt with a 12-inch barrel and nickel finish
- Rarity supported by figures on page 213 of Don Wilkerson’s book “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878” published in 1998
Published and documented example:
- This exact revolver is featured on page 47 of Wilkerson’s “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878”
- The caption in Wilkerson’s book notes that only one other 12-inch barreled example is known to have been made
- That other known 12-inch example differs from this revolver by being chambered in .38-40 and having a blue finish
- This exact revolver is also featured on page 209 of “The William M. Locke Collection” book
Special factory features noted in both publications:
- Rare 12-inch barrel
- Special provisions in the grip straps for a shoulder stock
- Special rear sight
Historic Colt Model 1878 significance:
- Designed by William Mason, Colt’s factory manager
- Also designed by Charles Brinckerhoff Richards, Colt’s Superintendent of Engineering
- Created as Colt’s double-action alternative to the legendary Colt Single Action Army revolver
- Although the Model 1878 was less popular than its single-action counterpart, it was favored by some in the American West for its increased firepower
- Notable users included Captain Jack Crawford, who replaced Buffalo Bill Cody as “Chief of Scouts” shortly after the Battle of Little Bighorn
Markings and identification:
- Top of barrel marked with the one-line Hartford address
- Left side of trigger guard marked “45 CAL”
- Full serial number “17475” marked on the butt
- Assembly number “176” marked on the loading gate
- Rear face of cylinder marked with a “1” and an “L”
Sights and hardware:
- Fitted with a blade front sight
- Equipped with the noted special rear sight
- Lanyard swivel mounted on the butt
Collector appeal:
- Factory-lettered, single-gun shipment provenance
- Reportedly unique .45 Long Colt, 12-inch barrel, nickel-finished configuration
- Published in two major Colt/reference collection books
- Documented special-order-style features including shoulder stock provisions and special rear sight
- A standout opportunity for collectors focused on rare Colt double-action revolvers, documented factory rarities, and historically significant 19th-century Colt arms

Condition

Very fine, retains 98% bright replated nickel finish. Grips are very good, with some light age related wear, and tight fitment. Mechanically excellent. This incredibly rare 12 inch barrel Colt Model 1878 revolver is a must have for the Colt collector!

Handgun Caliber: .45 Colt
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1878
Serial Number: 17475
Barrel Length: 12 inch round
Condition: The bore is shiny with crisp rifling.

Price: $24,999.99

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