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RARE 38-40 x 4-3/4” COLT MODEL 1878 DOUBLE ACTION - INTERESTING FACTORY LETTER, WITH A UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO. & REMINGTON ARMS CO. CONNECTION.
Guns International #: 100757213 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Double Action Pre-War - Colt Revolvers - Frontier
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: victorio1sw
Member Since: 8/4/13
State: Texas
Country: United States
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders.
Description:
********SOLD********
Description:
By far, the most popular calibers were 45 and 44-40. Only 1732 (or 3% of the 51,210) of this model were made in 38-40 during production 1878 to 1905. A total of 414 of the 38-40’s were blued with 4-3/4” barrels.
One interesting feature is that an overrun frame was used from the 5000 ordered by the U.S. Government for Philippines issue. Note the frame inspector’s initials “R.A.C.” for Rinaldo A. Carr. Additional overrun parts from this large government order were also likely used on this 38-40.
Overall this gun retains about 20% blue, with about 30% on frame, 10% on trigger guard, 50% on barrel, 5% on cylinder, 40% on ejector housing, and 90% on rear and top of hammer. The balance ranges dark to light gray. This gun must have been left in a holster, with areas of pitting resulting, but it has an unusually nice bore and crisp mechanics. All markings including barrel address, “38 W.C.F.” caliber, rampant Colt, and serial numbers are bold. The serial number 48988 appears on the butt with matching 988 on the rear of the cylinder. The gate assembly 6994 is normally also found on the left grip frame under the grips near the butt. However, no number was ever applied to this machined and blued surface. On the left grip strap, right behind the rampant Colt is a small “O”, which was likely an inspector’s mark. The gate fits extremely well, and is no doubt original to this 38-40.
All screw slots remain sharp as new, which is very unusual on this model. Remember that left hand thread on the hammer screw?? The trigger guard has never been removed, with its polished and blued surfaces matching the adjacent frame surfaces perfectly. The two domed-head pins for the trigger and sear also remain without a blemish, indicating no previous disassembly of this revolver.
The grips are in exceptionally nice condition, and alone are worth $250. So many of these grips lost a large chunk out at the rear butt, at the grip locator pin. These grips fit perfectly, and are original.
The mechanism works properly in both single and double action. The safety, half cock, and full cock notches are perfect, and can be heard sounding off when cocking. When in full cock, the cylinder locks up better than most, with the hand, cylinder ratchet, and gate providing the locking features. The bore is way above average with shiny strong lands and grooves, and only minor scattered porosity. Notice the untouched under side of the barrel and original cylinder pin. Most of these guns have suffered attempted cylinder pin extraction with some plyers, leaving heavy damage to the barrel and cylinder pin head.
In the 1901 through 1904 San Francisco City Directories “Dunham, Carrigan, & Hayden Co.” is a hardware and steel company located at 17-19 Beale and 18-24 Main. The Colt records state that this was a one-gun sale to “Carrigan, Hayden & Co.” of San Francisco, CA on Oct 31, 1902, but it was shipped to one E. E. Drake. In the 1902 City Directory Edward E. Drake was “Pacific Coast Manager for (1) the Union Metallic Cartridge Co., (2) Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Co., and (3) Remington Arms Co., at 86-88 1st in San Francisco”. Interestingly, in 1896 Edward E. Drake had been a “salesman” for Dunham, Carrigan, & Hayden Co.
A $150 Colt letter of authentication with factory shipping information comes with this revolver.
In some cases, I can ship this gun directly to a C&R licensed individual.
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All gun photos presented here are of Extremely-High-Definition quality, and represent enlargement up to 7X Actual Size! This means that a spot the diameter of a sharp pencil point (0.015”) can appear to be almost 1/8”.
Terms:
No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as a collector’s Colt M1878. If you want to shoot any older gun, first take it to a competent gunsmith and have it checked out.
Three day inspection period, but ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Send me an email, and we can set up a phone call to discuss details of this antique gun.
See my 19 years of feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, CCA, RSA, and S&WCA.
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No personal checks or Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by FedEx Ground fully insured for $40.00 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received.
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes