Lot 75

Desirable New York Engraved Colt 1878 Revolver with Pearl Grips

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Desirable New York Engraved Colt 1878 Revolver with Pearl Grips

Estimate: $4,500 - $6,500

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Desirable Gold and Silver Plated New York Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letters The most recent accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as shipped on August 26, 1897, to Hartley & Graham in New York City, in .45 caliber, with the special notation "for engraving," a 4 3/4 inch barrel, hard rubber grips, and type of finish not listed, as part of two guns of the same type in the shipment. A second older included factory letter repeats all of the same information besides an error mistakenly listing the revolver finish as blue, and an included Colt archives letter addresses that the finish was in fact "not listed." The revolver is wearing an attractive set of period retailer pearl grips. This is a very scarce Colt revolver. It features stunning New York engraving consisting of classic floral scrollwork on beaded backgrounds along with border designs, and a blank inscription panel on the backstrap. The two-line Colt Hartford address is marked on top of the barrel and "45 COLT" is on the left. The full serial number is marked on the butt, matching partial "667" is on the rear of the cylinder, assembly number "115" is on the loading gate and "155" is on the left of the grip frame. The revolver has a factory refurbishment star stamped on the right of the trigger guard.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1878

BBL: 4 3/4 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: gold/silver

Grips: pearl

Serial Number37667

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Brad Peters Collection; The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Very good, retains 20% retailer applied gold and silver finishes strongest in protected areas, with smooth gray patina on the balance, light freckling, absent lanyard ring, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also very good, with well-defined edges, a few chips and a crack in the left grip, and highly attractive fiery colors. The cylinder occasionally slips out of time; otherwise, mechanically functions.

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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