September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Model 1878 manufactured by Colt. The left side of the barrel bears the caliber designation "45 COLT.", with Colt's single-line address across the top. The left side of the frame bears an "R (Starburst) M" stamp, likely indicating that this example was issued to the Mexican police or military. Metal components exhibit an old reapplied blue finish, while the frame is mounted with 2-piece Colt black checkered hard rubber grips. The interior of the left grip panel is hand-scribed "EBP" and "CPC", with the right panel just inscribed "CPC". Matching serial numbers are present on the frame, loading gate, and cylinder. The loading gate is renumbered to match, and the cylinder is also numbered "158" possibly indicating that the cylinder was renumbered to match. This example is accompanied by a Colt factory letter indicating that this example was sent in a shipment of 500 to A. Combaluzier, in Mexico City, Mexico, on August 11th, 1890, was a known arms distributor to the Mexican government. CONDITION: The action is in correct working order in cocking, indexing, and firing both in single and double action. Metal components retain the vast majority of their reapplied blue finish, exhibiting some areas of wear and thinning that are mainly present on the grip straps that show through to pleasant gray and brown patinas. Mirror bore, exhibiting an area of mild pitting towards the muzzle and retaining well-defined rifling throughout. Grips exhibit some smoothing and scattered handling marks, with the right grip panel bearing a loss that was repaired/replaced with a wood insert that should be handled with care.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Information