Extremely Rare and Published Colt US Model 1878/1904 DA Revolver

Description:
Serial #51057, .45 Colt, 6" barrel with a fine, bright bore that has traces of mild freckling within the grooves at the muzzle. This is a very rare Colt, one of only 50 ordered by the US Army in December of 1904 under the designation "Model 1904," even though they were identical in configuration to the US Model 1902 DA revolver then in use. The Model 1904 was not US-inspected, but was serial numbered in the military manner (toe of the butt, as well as the last four digits on the rear cylinder face and loading gate), and also had a small "US" stamp on the right side of the frame just below the cylinder. This is an extremely handsome example that retains 85-90% of the original bright blue finish that has silvered at the muzzle, along the high edges, and faded slightly along the gripstraps. The hammer and extended trigger retain a commensurate amount of the original bright fire blue as well. These revolvers originally shipped with Colt hard rubber grips, but this example had those replaced at some point with very nice smooth walnut grips that have only a few very minor handling marks marring the otherwise excellent oil finish. The lock-up is strong and the action functions flawlessly in both single and double-action. This very revolver was once part of the collection of author and historian, Don Wilkerson, and is illustrated on page 403 & 406 of his book: "Colt’s Double-Action Revolver Model of 1878" (1998). This is a fantastic and rarely seen example of Colt’s first DA military revolver design, one of only two known out of the original 50 gun shipment, with a tremendous amount of original metal finish remaining. It is in excellent overall condition, and would make a great addition to any collection. FFL or C&R;

Curio/Relic: Yes

Price: $7,000.00