Lot 83

Documented Factory Engraved Silver Colt Model 1878 Revolver

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Documented Factory Engraved Silver Colt Model 1878 Revolver

Estimate: $9,000 - $14,000

Starting Bid: $8,000

(0 Bids)

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

Extremely Rare Well-Documented Factory Engraved, Silver Plated, Antique Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver in .38-40 W.C.F. with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter, Featured in Don Wilkerson's Book "Colt's Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878" Offered here is a deluxe factory engraved Model 1878 featuring a Wells Fargo & Co. marking on the rear of the frame, and was likely made for presentation to someone of high status within the company. Wells Fargo & Co. was started in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, in which they became a leader in shipping and banking services throughout the late 19th century in the American West, and evolved into the company that we know today. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as sold to Mrs. Lonert Jonsen at an unlisted address and was the sole gun of its type in a shipment on April 13, 1894, to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri, the gateway to the West, and confirms it as factory engraved, in .38-40 caliber, with silver finish, pearl grips, and an "illegible" barrel length. No further information has been located in relation to the individual Mrs. Lonert Jonsen. This exact revolver is featured on page 299 of "Colt's Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878" by Don Wilkerson, in which the picture caption states, "This is the only silver plated revolver in .38-40 known to the author." Only 1,732 Model 1878 revolvers in total were reportedly shipped in .38-40 W.C.F. caliber, with this factory engraved silver plated example having features that make it far rarer than the rest. Wilkerson indicates his survey found just 284 Model 1878s were factory engraved, 7 of which were in .38-40, with only 1 listed as having a 4 3/4 inch barrel length, silver finish, and pearl stocks (although the barrel length is unlisted in the factory letter, this is likely the referenced 1 gun). The high quality engraving is typical of factory work performed under Colt Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht, with floral scrollwork on beaded backgrounds along with zig-zag line and dot designs. "W.F. & Co." stamped on the rear of the grip strap at a later date. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Colt Hartford address, with "38 W.C.F." in an engraved banner on the left. Full serial number marked on the butt, with the matching last two digits "17" restamped on the rear face of the cylinder, assembly number "135" on the loading gate and on the left of the grip frame. It is fitted with pearl grips, and has a lanyard swivel on the butt.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1878

BBL: 4 3/4 inch round

Gauge: 38-40 WCF

Finish: silver

Grips: pearl

Serial Number33917

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Zane Burns Collection; The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Very fine with an attractive appearance, retains 90% period replated silver finish with an evenly aged natural patina, some light oxidation, and sharp markings and engraving. Grips are fine, with nice fitment, a few nicks, age lines, and lustrous colors. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare factory engraved silver plated Colt Model 1878 Double Action revolver with pearl grips!

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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