Scarce Cuno Helfricht Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Etched Panel Sheriff's Model Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver with R.L. Wilson Letter The accompanying R.L. Wilson letter states that this revolver is a "Rare Cuno Helfricht Factory-Engraved Colt Model 1878 Frontier Sheriff's Model Double Action Revolver Serial No. 8813" and that it is documented in the Colt factory ledgers as engraved, nickel plated, 44-40 caliber, 4 inch barrel and shipped in a 15 gun shipment to Simmons Hardware Co. in St Louis, Mo. on February 27, 1884. The letter also states that only a total of 284 Model 1878 revolvers were factory engraved, and only 31 of those had a 4 inch barrel, hard rubber grips in 44-40 caliber adding to the rarity of this revolver. The factory scroll engraving on a punch dot background is featured on the barrel and frame sides and on the cylinder flats. There is also a zigzag line and dot design on the sides of the frame below and ahead of the cylinder, on the rear edge of the cylinder, on the left side of the frame and on the back strap. There is star burst design on the upper front sides of the frame and on the trigger guard. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address in a fancy simple line and dot panel, and the left side has the etched panel "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER". The upper left front of the trigger guard is marked "44. C.F." The complete serial number is marked on the butt and rear face of the cylinder is marked with the letter "Z" and "813". The loading gate is number "169". Standard blade front and frame notch rear sights, nickel finish and fitted with checkered hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt in an oval at the top. Manufacturer: Colt Model: 1878 BBL: 4 inch round Stock: Gauge: 44-40 Finish: nickel Grips: hard rubber Serial Number: 8813 Class: Antique Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 60% plus unpolished original nickel plating with most of the finish loss on the cylinder and front strap. The exposed metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray and brown patina. There are some scattered small areas of minor flaking. There is strong original bright niter blue remaining on the sides of the trigger. The grips are fair showing heavy wear, smooth checkering and a moderate chip absent on the right heel. The etched panel is fading a bit, but completely visible. The markings and engraving are crisp and clear. The action has some play in it in both hammer positions and doesn’t always lock when the hammer is decocked, otherwise, the action functions well. A rare nickel plated, factory engraved Sheriff's Model 1878 double action revolver.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
December 3, 2016 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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Bid Increments
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$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 + $10,000