Lot 1095

Antique Colt Model 1878 Revolver in Very Scarce .44 S&W Russian

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Antique Colt Model 1878 Revolver in Very Scarce .44 S&W Russian

Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Well-Documented London Agency Shipped Antique Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver in Very Scarce .44 S&W Russian with Factory Letter The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as shipped on February 3, 1887, to Colt's London Agency at 14 Pall Mall in London, England, in .44 S&W Russian caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed. The shipment included 50 guns of the same type. This exact revolver is pictured on page 278 of Don Wilkerson's book "Colt's Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878" above a caption confirming its configuration and shipment. This is one of only 714 standard Model 1878 revolvers recorded as shipped in .44 S&W Russian caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel and blue finish per the figures on page 282 of the aforementioned book. The strong majority of these .44 S&W Russian chambered Colt Model 1878 revolvers were ordered for export lending to their scarcity today. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line Colt Hartford address, and a "44" caliber marking is on the bottom. "44 CAL" is marked on the left of the trigger guard. The full serial number is marked on the butt of the frame with matching "399" on the rear of the cylinder, "99" handwritten on the interior of the right grip, and assembly number "58" on the loading gate (first digit half stamped) and left of the grip frame. It has a blade front sight, groove top strap rear sight, a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops, and a lanyard swivel on the butt.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1878

BBL: 5 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Finish: blue

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number18399

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Harrison Carroll Collection; The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Very fine, retains 80% plus bright original high polish blue finish with smooth brown/gray patina on the balance, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grips are also very fine, well fitting, with minor handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A hard to find Colt Model 1878 revolver in .44 S&W Russian!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000