Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this historic double-action revolver today for a penny start auction, this is the Colt Model 1878 DA!
Colt rolled out some 51,200 Model 1878s before throwing in the towel and ceasing production in 1905 in favor of its big New Service Model 1898 swingout-cylinder revolvers. Ever since, the Model 1878 has remained the black sheep of Colt revolvers from the “shoot- ’em-up” period of the Old West.
Colt rolled out some 51,200 Model 1878s before throwing in the towel and ceasing production in 1905 in favor of its big New Service Model 1898 swingout-cylinder revolvers. Ever since, the Model 1878 has remained the black sheep of Colt revolvers from the “shoot- ’em-up” period of the Old West.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: M1878 DA
Serial: 43388
Date of Manufacture: 1900
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4 3/4" with Ejector Rod
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Synthetic with Rampant Colt Logo
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Samuel Colt experimented with double-action revolver systems, but he considered them to be unreliable. After Colt's patent expired in 1857, other manufacturers began producing double-action revolvers, but Colt's Manufacturing did not manufacture its own double-action revolver until 1877, twenty years after the patent had expired. The M1878 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 design of the Model 1878 was based on the Model 1877, which in turn was based heavily on the design of the earlier Colt Single Action Army revolver. A strut is added to connect the trigger movement to the hammer. The top of the trigger slips beyond the strut so that the hammer will stay in full cock if it is pulled back manually. The Model 1878 had a larger frame than the Model 1877, which allowed it to fire larger and more powerful cartridges such as the .45 Colt and .44-40 Winchester, and used the same barrel & ejector parts as the Single Action Army revolver and a very similar cylinder. At one time, the factory modified Model 1878 cylinders for use in single-action revolvers in an attempt to use up spare parts.
The Model 1878 was available in .32-20, .38 Colt, .38-40, .41 Colt, .44-40, .45 Colt, .455 Webley, and .476 Eley. The most popular calibers were the .44-40 Winchester and .45 Colt. Standard grips were black checkered hard rubber but some early revolvers were produced with checkered walnut grips. Barrel lengths were available from 2 1⁄2 to 7 1⁄2 inches.
Contents:
This example will ship with a genuine leather holster seen pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: M1878 DA
Serial: 43388
Date of Manufacture: 1900
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4 3/4" with Ejector Rod
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Synthetic with Rampant Colt Logo
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Samuel Colt experimented with double-action revolver systems, but he considered them to be unreliable. After Colt's patent expired in 1857, other manufacturers began producing double-action revolvers, but Colt's Manufacturing did not manufacture its own double-action revolver until 1877, twenty years after the patent had expired. The M1878 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 design of the Model 1878 was based on the Model 1877, which in turn was based heavily on the design of the earlier Colt Single Action Army revolver. A strut is added to connect the trigger movement to the hammer. The top of the trigger slips beyond the strut so that the hammer will stay in full cock if it is pulled back manually. The Model 1878 had a larger frame than the Model 1877, which allowed it to fire larger and more powerful cartridges such as the .45 Colt and .44-40 Winchester, and used the same barrel & ejector parts as the Single Action Army revolver and a very similar cylinder. At one time, the factory modified Model 1878 cylinders for use in single-action revolvers in an attempt to use up spare parts.
The Model 1878 was available in .32-20, .38 Colt, .38-40, .41 Colt, .44-40, .45 Colt, .455 Webley, and .476 Eley. The most popular calibers were the .44-40 Winchester and .45 Colt. Standard grips were black checkered hard rubber but some early revolvers were produced with checkered walnut grips. Barrel lengths were available from 2 1⁄2 to 7 1⁄2 inches.
Contents:
This example will ship with a genuine leather holster seen pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $65.00
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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