*SOLD* 1900 Colt 1878 .45 Blue 6" -VERY RARE 1902 PHILIPPINE MODEL- Only 4600 Made

Bryant Ridges Analysis

The Colt 1902 Philippine Model revolver is a modified version of the Colt 1878 Double Action Army or Frontier model pistol. This was Colt’s first entry into the large-frame double action revolver market, following just after the 1877 small-frame Lightning and Thunderer designs. It was a marginally successful gun for Colt, with more than 51,000 sold over about 30 years.

The US Army had tested the Model 1878 in 1879 and rejected it – largely because of problems with light primer strikes. Many years later, experience in the Philippines would lead the government to seek .45 caliber revolvers for issue to the Philippine Constabulary. Colt seized this opportunity by fitting a stronger hammer spring to the 1878 revolver and lengthening the trigger to give the shooter more leverage on the correspondingly heavier trigger. The trigger guard was also enlarged, as necessary, to fit the lengthened trigger.

This gave the gun a distinct look, which would become popular with gloves in cold weather. It was also nicknamed the "Alaskan Model," which is a misnomer. In reality, however, this design was to increase reliability with the aim of making a government sale. The changes worked, too—the government purchased 4,600 of the guns for use in the Philippines in 1902.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Colt 

Model: 1878 "1902 Philippine Constabulary Model"

Serial: 44660

Date of Manufacture: 1900

Caliber: .45 Colt

Finish: Blue

Barrel Length: 6"

Optics/Sights: Fixed blade front with Fixed notch rear

Stock/Grips: Black checkered grips with Rampant horses

Action: Double/Single Action 

Markings: Standard / Both sides of the enlarged trigger guard is stamped with the "R.A.C" inspector marks. The left side of the frame is also stamped with the "R.A.C" inspector mark. The right side of the frame above the trigger is stamped with a faint "U.S." mark.

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