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Make: Colt
Model: 1878 Frontier Six Shooter
Serial Number: 39500
Year of Manufacture: 1898 / Antique
Caliber: .44-40 WCF
Action Type: DA/SA Double or Single Action Side Gate Loaded Revolver
Barrel Length: 7 1/2"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V" notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered hard rubber with smooth borders, wedge-shaped smooth bases and rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. Each panel has spots where the checkering is lightly worn. The smooth edges have a few minor compressions. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fine Plus condition, as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Fire Blued screws, trigger, and hammer.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is well defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is intermittent erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 70% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling marks but is generally strong throughout with intermittent areas of thinning. Most of the finish loss is found on the leading edges and on the grip frame. The fire blue is vibrant with finish loss in the high handling areas. There is some minor intermittent oxidation. There are some more prominent scratches on the right side of the frame around one of the screws. There is some fine pitting on the barrel toward the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The cylinder rotates clockwise freely sometimes, but locks correctly by resetting the hammer firmly. The cylinder locks up with light play when the trigger is depressed on each chamber. The double action trigger is a little on the heavy side but is smooth with a clean break. The single action is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes with a Colt Factory letter confirming a shipping date June 34, 1898 to Colt's Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Company, San Francisco Agency, Blue finish, 7 1/2" barrel, and chambered in .44 (.44-40).
Our Assessment: This Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter revolver, manufactured in 1898, represents the final years of Colt’s large frame double action frontier revolver at the close of the 19th century. Chambered in .44-40 WCF and fitted with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, this configuration reflects the period preference for a long sight radius and compatibility with Winchester rifles, a practical consideration for frontier users. As one of the last production years for the Model 1878, this revolver illustrates Colt’s transitional bridge between black powder era service revolvers and the emerging dominance of swing out cylinder designs.
The revolver retains a substantial amount of its original blue finish with vivid fire blued small parts and clear, legible markings throughout. The bore shows defined rifling with age consistent erosion, and the original hard rubber grips remain well preserved with only light wear. Mechanical operation is generally correct, with the action functioning as designed and lockup present when properly indexed. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter confirming original configuration and shipment to the San Francisco agency in 1898, this example offers documented provenance and authentic late frontier character.