Make: Colt

Model: 1878 "Frontier"

Serial Number: 17245

Year of Manufacture: 1886

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: DA/SA Double or Single Action Side Gate Loaded Revolver

Barrel Length: 4 3/4"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V" notch in the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered hard rubber with smooth borders, wedge-shaped smooth bases and rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. Each panel has spots where the checkering is lightly worn and the smooth edges are clean of any minor nicks and compressions. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. The inside of the right panel is numbered "245" in pencil matching the frame. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition, as Antique.

Type of Finish: Nickel Plated, Fire Blued screws, trigger, and hammer.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion whatsoever. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9.5/10

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 93% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling marks but is generally strong and complete throughout. The fire blue is vibrant. There is some minor intermittent oxidation. There is some finish loss on the edges of the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates Excellent condition as antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with faint play when the trigger is depressed on each chamber. The double action trigger is a little on the heavy side but is smooth with a clean break. The single action is crisp. 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: This revolver comes with a Colt Factory letter confirming a shipping date of August 23, 1886 to Fisk & Van Uoxem Chicago, Illinois with Nickel finish and a 4 3/4" barrel in .45 Colt.

Our Assessment: This Colt Model 1878 Frontier revolver, manufactured in 1886, represents Colt’s ambitious answer to the growing demand for a double action service revolver during the late frontier period. Often referred to as the "Double Action Army," the Model 1878 bridged the gap between the single action dominance of the Peacemaker and the evolving requirements of lawmen, military officers, and civilian users who valued rapid double action fire. About 51,210 of these revolvers were made before production ended in 1905, with about 41,000 produced prior to 1899. Chambered in .45 Colt with a 4 3/4 inch barrel, this example reflects a desirable fighting length configuration from the height of Colt’s black powder era production.

Condition remains exceptional for an antique revolver of this age, with strong original nickel finish, vibrant fire blued components, and sharply defined markings throughout. The bore is bright with crisp rifling, and the revolver maintains correct mechanical function with solid lockup and a smooth double action pull. The original checkered hard rubber grips are well preserved and free of damage. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter confirming original configuration and shipment in 1886, this Model 1878 stands as a highly attractive and well documented example of Colt’s early double action heritage.