Lot 3129

Etched Panel Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Revolver

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Etched Panel Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Revolver

Estimate: $2,750 - $4,250

Starting Bid: $2,250

(0 Bids)

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

Antique Etched Panel Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as shipped on March 15, 1883, to Hartley & Graham in New York City, in .44 caliber, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, and hard rubber grips as part of 50 guns of the same type in the shipment. 3,007 Model 1878 revolvers were reportedly shipped in .44-40 WCF caliber with a 7 1/2 inch barrel length and nickel finish, according to figures on page 261 of Don Wilkerson's book "Colt's Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878" (published 1998). Designed by William Mason, Colt's factory manager, and Charles Brinckerhoff Richards, Superintendent of Engineering, the Model 1878 revolver was intended to be a double action alternative to Colt's legendary Single Action Army revolver. The Model 1878 was not considered to be as popular as its single action cousin; however, there were still many that favored it in the West for its firepower, including Captain Jack Crawford, who replaced Buffalo Bill Cody as "Chief of Scouts" shortly after the Battle of Little Bighorn. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line Hartford address, with "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" in an etched panel on the left of the barrel, and small "44" caliber marking on the bottom of the barrel. "44.C.F" marked on the left of the trigger guard. Full serial number marked on the butt, with the matching last three digits on the rear face of the cylinder along with an extra digit after that appears to be a factory error "9" overstamped with a "6", and assembly number "1" on the loading gate and rear face of the cylinder. It is fitted with a blade front sight, groove top strap rear sight, a pair of period pearl grips, and a lanyard swivel on the butt.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1878

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Finish: nickel

Grips: pearl

Serial Number9876

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, retains 70% original nickel plated finish, with smooth gray and frontier brown patina on the balance, some light frosting, and a defined etched panel. Grips are very good, with some light handling marks and age lines, a small hole on the right, and attractive fiery colors. 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