RELIC COLT MODEL 1878 “FRONTIER” DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER

$750.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 30-2191

The lumber boom in Michigan’s Gladwin County, west of Saginaw Bay, created a frontier of lumber camps and small towns from 1875 to the 1890s, the same time as those further wests in the Black Hills and the southwest. This Colt 1878 “Frontier” revolver was found in the township of Grim, one of several picturesquely named spots like “Podunk” and “Hard Luck,” that are now gone or ghost towns like the mining camps of Nevada and Colorado.

Colt’s 1878 Frontier model was double action and one of company’s largest frame revolvers. Marketed from 1878 to 1905, the heyday of Gladwin County, the revolver came in a number of different barrel lengths and was available in large calibers, including .44-40 and .45, which made it a rival to the 1877 Lightning.

This revolver has been kept just as found, coated with a thick layer of rust and dirt that should not be removed, a real relic of the risks and dangers of frontier life. All the parts are present and, ironically, the checkered hard-rubber grips are in the best shape, showing just some discoloration from being in the ground, but a very evident raised oval cartouche with Colt’s rampant-colt trademark.

The only missing element is the lanyard swivel, though the mounting ring on the butt is still there. The loading gate is frozen open, making it clear this gun was lost while in use, perhaps while the owner fumbled to load another round or two before his opponent could. From the evidence, it seems he was a little slow.  [sr]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About RELIC COLT MODEL 1878 “FRONTIER” DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

CIVIL WAR US NAVY LT. COMMANDER’S COAT AND BUCKLE OF ALEXANDER COLE RHIND - USS CONSTELLATION, USS CRUSADER, USS KEOKUK, FOUGHT CS BATTERIES AT DEEP BOTTOM, COMMANDED A “POWDER BOAT” AGAINST FT. FISHER, LATER REAR ADMIRAL

This is a very appealing regulation Civil War navy officer’s frock coat with interesting history. The coat is very dark blue, almost black, double-breasted with two rows of 9 US Navy officer’s button each down the front, two at the rear waist,… (1179-650). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

28
Mar

April 13-14: Spring Gettysburg Military Antiques Show Learn More »

Instagram