Make: Colt
Model: 1878 Double Action Frontier, Dominion Artillery Association 2nd Prize Officer's Marked.
Serial Number: 9798
Year of Manufacture: 1883 / Antique
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". The top strap is marked "D.A.A. / 2ND PRIZE OFFICER'S / 40 Pr. 1887". The left side of the trigger guard is marked "45 CAL". The rear of the loading gate is marked "33" and "88". The rear of the cylinder has a matching serial number "789" with a "B". The front of the ejector rod shroud is marked "33".
Barrel Length: 7 1/2"
Sights/Optics: The rear sight is a "V" notch in the top strap. The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered hard rubber with smooth borders, wedge-shaped smooth base and rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The checkering is well-defined with light peak wear. There are no chips. There is a very small crack on the bottom of the right grip at the rear. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition, as Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel Plated
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is well defined. There is light intermittent erosion down the length of the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its metal finish. The barrel has scattered light nicks and scuffs, and a few drag lines. Most of the finish loss is held in the backstrap and left side of the barrel. There is intermittent oxidation and fine pitting. The action has light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates Very Good condition, as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is fairly smooth. The single action is exceedingly light. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1878 Double Action Frontier was Colt’s first successful large-frame double-action revolver, bringing double-action fire to the same class of powerful cartridges that had made the Single Action Army famous. Designed under William Mason, the Model 1878 retained the familiar loading gate, ejector system, and much of the visual character of the SAA while incorporating a substantially different double-action lockwork. Approximately 51,000 were manufactured, with .45 Colt among the most popular chamberings. This 1883 revolver is especially interesting because of its 1887 prize inscription. “D.A.A.” in this context may refer to the Dominion Artillery Association, an established Canadian military organization of the period, and Canadian military records confirm the contemporary use of 40-pounder artillery and the Association’s sponsorship of military prizes.
This antique retains about 65% of its original nickel finish, with most loss concentrated on the backstrap and left side of the barrel along with intermittent oxidation and fine pitting. The checkered hard-rubber grips remain in Very Good antique condition, and the mostly bright bore rates 6/10 with well-defined rifling and light intermittent erosion. Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly in both single and double action, with excellent cylinder lockup when the trigger is held to the rear. Beyond its strong condition, the 7 1/2" barrel, .45 Colt chambering, original nickel finish, and period 1887 prize inscription give this Model 1878 considerably more character than a standard commercial example. This desirable early Colt double action revolver has a particularly interesting Canadian artillery connection that will make for a great addition to any Colt or Double Action revolver collection.
