Antique COLT Model 1878 “SHERIFF’S MODEL” Double Action Army Revolver 1 of only 290 w/4” Barrel; .45 Cal. Colt 1881 Mfr.

Description:
Antique COLT Model 1878 “SHERIFF’S MODEL” Double Action Army Revolver    

1 of only 290 w/4” Barrel; .45 Cal. Colt 1881 Mfr.

Here Ancestry Guns presents an antique Colt Model 1878 Double Action “Sheriff’s Model” Revolver, made in 1881 in Hartford, Connecticut. Only 560 ejectorless Sheriff’s Model 1878 revolvers were reportedly shipped in .45 Long Colt caliber, with only 290 listed as shipped with a 4 inch barrel length and blue finish, according to figures on page 216 of the book Colt’s Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878 by Don Wilkerson. This Sheriff's Model revolver correctly lacks an ejector rod assembly, with the two-line Hartford address on top of the barrel, and “45 CAL” on the left side of the triggerguard.

It is often referred to as the “Frontier” or the “Double Action Army” revolver. The Model 1878 was designed by William Mason, Colt's factory manager and Charles Brinckerhoff Richards, Superintendent of Engineering. It was similar in design to the Colt Model 1877. The Model 1878 had a larger frame and is therefore sometimes referred to as the “large frame” double-action revolver, while the Model 1877 is likewise referred to as the "small frame" double-action revolver. The Model 1878 was considered a more robust and reliable design than the Model 1877.
The 1878 Double Action Frontier was a much larger and more reliable version of the Model 1877 Lightning and Thunderer, Colt’s first double action revolvers. The 1878 Frontier also offered a much more comprehensive array of calibers, compared to the 1877’s three offerings. Despite all of this, the Model 1877 was clearly the popular favorite as over 166,000 were produced versus 51,210 of the Model 1878 made between 1878 through 1907. In 1902, 4,600 Model 1878 revolvers (included in the 51,210) were produced for a U.S. Army contract. They were intended to equip the Philippine Constabulary under Brigadier General Henry T. Allen during the Philippine–American War between 1899 and 1902. These revolvers had 6-inch barrels, hard rubber grips, and were chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge. Many people have incorrectly assumed that this was to allow the revolver to be operated while wearing gloves in cold weather, that means that the “Alaskan Model” is a misnomer. These revolvers are also unofficially designated the Colt 1902 Philippine Model (Colt M1902).

The overall condition is fine. Much original blue finish is present on the frame and barrel in low use areas. Strong action. The bore is bright with crisp rifling. Both grips are very good with the left side having a crack at the bottom. Markings are legible.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 4 inches.

Caliber: .45 Long Colt

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$5000

#259582
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $5,000.00
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