Lot 1085

Denver, Colorado, J.P. Lower Shipped Colt Model 1878 Revolver

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Denver, Colorado, J.P. Lower Shipped Colt Model 1878 Revolver

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Documented Denver, Colorado, J.P. Lower Shipped Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Ivory Grips and Factory Letter The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as shipped on April 6, 1888, to John P. Lower & Sons in Denver, Colorado, in .45 caliber with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, and type of grips not listed, as part of two guns of the same type in the shipment. The revolver is wearing a set of period ivory grips. J.P. Lower was one of the largest Colt dealers out west in the latter half of the 19th century. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line Colt Hartford address, and "45 CAL" is on the left of the trigger guard. The full serial number is marked on the butt , a "1" and an "L" are marked on the rear of the cylinder, and "435" is hand written on the interiors of both grips. It has a blade front sight, groove top strap rear sight, and a lanyard swivel on the butt.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1878

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: nickel

Grips: ivory

Serial Number21225

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very fine with a hint of frontier character and a very fresh appearance, retains 80% original nickel finish, with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, some minor pitting, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grips are fine, with some age lines, wear, attractive patina and grain. Mechanically functions. A very fine example of a J.P. Lower shipped Colt Model 1878 revolver with attractive ivory 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