Lot 3116

Three-Digit Serial Antique Colt London Model 1878 in .450 Boxer

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Three-Digit Serial Antique Colt London Model 1878 in .450 Boxer

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Starting Bid: $1,800

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Early Production Three-Digit Serial Number "518" Antique Colt London Model 1878 Double Action Revolver in .450 Boxer/Eley with Factory Letter This early production three-digit serial number Colt Model 1878 revolver was manufactured in 1878, the first year of production. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as shipped on September 11, 1878, to H&D Folsom Arms Company in New York City in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, and type of grips not listed as part of 30 guns of the same type in the shipment. "45 CAL/B" is marked on the left of the trigger guard denoting the .450 Boxer/Eley caliber it is chambered in. 2,390 standard Model 1878 revolvers were recorded in factory ledgers as shipped in .450 Boxer/Eley caliber, and only 402 of those had a 5 1/2 inch barrel and nickel finish per the figures on page 354 of "Colt's Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878" by Don Wilkerson. The one-line Colt London address is marked on top of the barrel. London proofs are on the barrel and cylinder. The matching serial number "518" is marked on the butt of the frame, rear of the cylinder, loading gate, and correctly handwritten in black ink on the interiors of both grips.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1878

BBL: 5 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 450 Eley

Finish: nickel

Grips: walnut

Serial Number518

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Fine overall, retains 75% frosted original nickel finish, with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, some minor pitting, distinct markings, and nicks in the grips with otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

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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