September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Serial number is 14769, caliber is .45 Long Colt, barrel length is 7-1/2". According to the factory letter, this Model 1878 Colt was shipped in a 90 gun shipment to Hartley & Graham of New York City on April 16, 1885. This date and shipment coincide with a shipment of 90 factory nickel plated 7-1/2" Model 1878 double action revolvers in caliber 45 to the Canadian Department of Militia and Defense. The fifth such shipment to them during the Riel Rebellion. According to the book on Canadian Military Handguns by Clive Law, many of the guns ordered for Canada during this shipment were not marked with the MD stamp on left side of frame. This revolver is in excellent, all original condition. The frame retains at least 80% of the original nickel plating while the barrel retains most of this finish on the right side but only traces on the left. The cylinder retains approximately 50% of this factory finish. The grips are excellent and show no cracks or chips. The hammer has most of the fire blue on back. Locks up tight (remember, these lock up with hammer down and trigger pulled back as the loading gate facilitates lock up). Strong bore with usual light black powder abrasions. These guns are extremely interesting in that they saw extensive use in the Canadian wilderness and may have seen service in Africa.