Extremely Rare Published Colt Model 1878 ‘Omnipotent’ Revolver by B. Kittredge & Co.

Description:
Serial #371, .45 Colt, 7 1/2" barrel with a very good, bright bore that has some small areas of mild freckling within the grooves. This is a first-year-of-production revolver that retains 85-90% of the original nickel finish that has flaked to the underlying freckled gray metal in spots, most notably on the left side of the barrel just ahead of the "OMNIPOTENT" acid-etched panel at the breech. A small linear impact mark is also present on the left side of the barrel a 1 3/4" back from the muzzle. Some additional areas of mild freckling are present, and there are some areas of bluish-yellow tarnish in spots, mainly on and around the circular sideplate. Matching numbers are present on the frame, cylinder, and barrel, and there is a deeply struck "B. KITTREDGE & CO. / CIN. O." semi-circular stamp on the right side of the frame. The hammer and trigger have traces of the original bright fire blue remaining, and the balance turned to a lightly freckled gray mixing with plum-brown. The original checkered ivory grips are in fine shape with lovely age-toning to brown, and some hairline age cracks present at the butt on both panels. The action has tight lock-up and functions flawlessly in both single and double-action. This very revolver is pictured on page 237 of "Colt’s Double Action Revolver Model Of 1878" by Don Wilkerson {1998} and is accompanied by a 2025-dated Colt Factory Letter that lists a shipping date of September 12, 1878, to B, Kittredge & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of a two gun shipment. Kittredge was a well-known retailer and active marketer of Colt revolvers, and special ordered the name "OMNIPOTENT" on 7 1/2" barreled Model 1878s sold by their shop for a short time. Only about 154 "OMNIPOTENT" marked revolvers were made in total and this example, one of only a small number known to have survived, and also published and illustrated in a respected reference book, is in fine-near excellent condition overall. It would make a stellar addition to any collection of fine and rare Colts. Antique; Here is the Sister to this gun without the KITTREDGE marking for allot more money. Click Here. ;

Antique: Yes

Price: $21,995.00