RARE/SCARCE “FAT GRIP” LARGE FRAME COLT 1878 DA .45

Colt was moving ahead with new designs to keep up with newer client demands. First they introduced the Model of 1877 in 3 caliber, .38, .41 and .32 . It had a very delicate Double Action system and was by physical size a smaller revolver. There was a demand for a LARGE frame Double Action, chambered in the larger frontier calibers, .45 and .44, later on 38/40 and 32/20. In 1878 Colt Introduced the Model of 1878, in close appearance to the fabled Single Action in size and weight. However Double Action with a Crescent Style grip. It had a stronger trigger pull and “heft” This EXAMPLE Serial No. 496X represents the EARLY production, not quite yet finalized ! It had a larger grip frame size than the standard production after serial no. 5,000. Initially it came with Checkered Walnut grips, but then Colt was in a transition of grip material. In 1881 – 1882 Colt began to replace the One Piece Walnut grips with Checkered Hard Rubber. So ! why not with the 1878 model also ! However this period fell into a small window, because after Serial 5,000, Colt decided the grip was too large and downsized to a smaller grip, which ran thru end of production.  How does this effect this 1878, well it came at the precise time of transition checkered Walnut to Hard Rubber, then quickly became out of production by 1882. So, what this means there are probably around or less than 200 Hard Rubber Fat Grip revolvers EVER !! That make this 1878 very rare and scarce. Colt Factory Letter: say’s shipped March 1, 1881 to Hartley & Graham, NY, NY.  Nickel finish, .45 Rubber, 7-1/2 inch,  exactly !! as you see it today. MECHANICS: This 1878 has absolutely 100% correct working actions. Single Action mode, Double Action mode, cylinder rotation and index and lock up are perfect. Releasing to fire. NO. NO mechanical problems. The overall finish has about 15-20% original nickel, the main surfaces are a pleasing gray patina. ALL factory applied markings are clear and present. By the way, the Hard rubber grips are in PERFECT condition, NO damage. Even the Lanyard Ring is present ! Do not be fooled, these revolvers were popular and there are MANY existent photo’s of Frontier Westerners carrying and using  1878’s.  Very suitable for a Colt Collection , and a RARE Model of 1878.