December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
Model 1878 Frontier double action revolver in 1889 by Colt. The top of the barrel bears Colt's single line address, with the left side of the trigger guard being marked "44 CAL". Assembly number is matching on the frame and loading gate. Rear grip strap is engraved "ATLANTA POLICE No. 107", indicating purchase and issue by the Atlanta Police Department. These revolvers were ordered alongside special order Winchester Model 1873 rifles, with a total number of 90 Model 1878 revolvers being ordered by the Atlanta Police Department in three separate shipments between 1889-1891. The first batch of revolvers (#78-107) were ordered with a nickel plated finish, featured a 5 - 1/2" barrel, and were chambered in .44-40 WCF. This revolver features traces of blue finish, 5 - 1/2" barrel, standard blade and notch rear sights, as well as 2-piece Colt hard rubber grips. Complete with a summary of the revolver, as well as excerpts from "Colt's Double-Action Revolvers, Model 1878" by Don Wilkerson. CONDITION: Metal components retain traces of their original blue finish, exhibiting some areas of cleaned oxidation, and with the balance retaining a mixed gray and brown patina. Grip straps exhibit a dark mottled patina. Fair bore, exhibiting pitting and fair rifling throughout. Hard rubber grips show smoothing as well as some scattered handling marks, but are otherwise sturdy and serviceable. A desirable Colt Model 1878 revolver issued to the Atlanta Police Department. MLW
Caliber/Bore
.44-40 W.C.F.