The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was in a one gun shipment on March 28, 1893 to C.J. Godfrey of New York City, and confirms the 7 1/2 inch barrel, .44 caliber, and blue finish with the type of stocks not listed. The grips are antique ivory, and right grip panel features both a finely detailed and attractive relief carved steer head. The period carving is exquisite and certainly rates as one of the finest we have cataloged. The left panel has a unique lighter colored patch visible to the rear of the grip screw. Designed by William Mason and Charles Brinckerhoff, Colt's factory manager and Superintendent of Engineering, the Model 1878 revolver was intended to be a double action alternative to Colt's legendary Single Action Army revolver. With 51,210 being produced, the 1878 was never nearly 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 stamped with the one-line Colt Hartford address, and "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" is marked on the left side of the barrel. The cylinder is matching numbered "896" to the gun, with assembly number "32" on the loading gate. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Fine, retains 60% plus original blue finish with charming smooth brown patina on the balance, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Grips are exceptionally fine with a hairline crack visible towards the bottom of the right panel, an extremely small reglued speck visible on the rear of the left panel, and absolutely crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. This antique Colt Model 1878 revolver with its exceptional steer head carved grip would make a fine addition to any Colt or western arms collection!