December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2021
Unfortunate experiences in the Philippines proved the Army's new .38 caliber revolvers inadequate, creating interest in a .45 Colt caliber double action. In 1902, Colt filled a government order for 4,600 of these modified .45 caliber Model 1878 revolvers featuring a significantly larger trigger guard and stronger mainspring. Otherwise standard with blued finish. 6" round barrel, 1-line address, blade front sight, frame notch rear sight, 6-shot fluted cylinder, lanyard loop, and checkered hard rubber bird's head grips. "RAC" inspector stamps found on left of frame, cylinder, and trigger guard. "US" mark, in addition to "JTT" inspector stamp and 1902 date on right side of frame. CONDITION: Fair. Traces of original thinning blued finish retained on frame with more significant quantiles exhibited on barrel and cylinder. Balance a brown patina with abrasions. 2 extra screw holes have been drilled in grip frame. Grips good with some wear and a few handling marks. Bright bore with some oxidation spots and crisp rifling. Action requires attention and does not hold cock. Frame serial number matches partial number on loading gate, but not cylinder. BAS