Welcome to right this moment’s Picture of the Day! This uncommon Colt revolver showcases how even main producers experimented with designs that by no means made it to manufacturing. Serial quantity 4 of the Mannequin 1878 “Frontier” double motion, it encompasses a hammer shroud configuration that by no means reached mass manufacturing – primarily making it a manufacturing facility experimental. Whereas the Single Motion Military will get all of the glory, Colt’s 1878 double motion was their try to supply one thing extra trendy for the frontier. About 51,000 had been made in comparison with over 350,000 SAAs, however they discovered favor with people who appreciated the fast double motion set off for defensive use. What makes this gun really particular is that weird hammer shroud – a metallic cowl over the hammer that’s connected by a single screw on the prime of the body. Mixed with the spurless hammer, this configuration is probably going distinctive. Add in its non-standard 5 7/16″ barrel size and .455 caliber chambering (usually present in a lot larger serial quantity weapons), and also you’ve received one thing that screams “manufacturing facility experiment.” The London deal with on the barrel (“DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON”) provides one other layer of curiosity, as these .455 weapons had been primarily supposed for the British army market. This revolver’s significance is confirmed by its provenance – previously a part of the legendary William Locke assortment and featured in Frank Sellers’ ebook the place it’s described as “presumably distinctive.” For Colt collectors, serial quantity 4 with manufacturing facility experimental options represents the form of gun that not often emerges from personal collections.
“Hammer Shroud Colt London Mannequin 1878 Revolver Serial No. 4.” Rock Island Public sale Firm, https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/4094/84/hammer-shroud-colt-london-model-1878-revolver-serial-no-4. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
