Synopsis:

Scarce Military Colt Model 1878 revolver, contracted as the model 1902, 1 of 4600 revolvers with an oversized trigger guard marked with military inspections and "U.S.". An interesting and historically important revolver for every martial small arms collector! Complete with factory letter.

Description:

Special ordered Colt M1878 Revolver in .45 COLT for the U.S. Military in 1902, 1 of 4600 revolvers with the oversized trigger guard marked with military inspections and "U.S.". This all matching revolver has a 6" barrel with blade front sight, grooved rear sight, and marked "COLT'S PT.F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A". Left side of barrel marked "45 Colt". Left side of frame marked with Rampant Colt while right side is marked "JTT" John T. Thompson's inspector stamp, "U.S.", "1902", and "R.A.C." Rinaldo A. Carr's stamp that is repeated on back of the cylinder, left side of the frame and trigger guard. Full serial number on butt with the last four digits on the cylinder and loading gate. Complete with Letter of Authenticity that references the caliber, barrel length, blue finish and was 1 of 200 shipped to Springfield Armory on November 26, 1902.

Condition:

VG original finish with moderate wear as one would expect from a military issued, carried and used revolver from over 100 years ago. Comparable condition fire blue on the hammer and trigger. Grips with slightly blunted checkering and a few superficial handling marks but no cracks, splits, or losses. Bright bore with a few superficial erosions, easily discernible rifling. Correct manual mechanics. One of the more difficult to find US military revolvers!