Welcome to right this moment’s Picture of the Day! Right here’s a chunk of firearms historical past that reveals how a intelligent advertising nickname can outlive the gun itself. This factory-engraved Colt Mannequin 1878, shipped to B. Kittredge & Co. on Christmas Eve 1878, carries the etched “OMNIPOTENT” panel that gave this revolver its grandiose nickname.
Benjamin Kittredge was the P.T. Barnum of gun sellers – the person who coined “Peacemaker” for the Single Motion Military, “Lightning” and “Thunderer” for the Mannequin 1877s, and “All-powerful” for this double-action beast. His advertising genius turned Colt’s dry mannequin numbers into names that captured the general public creativeness and caught for over a century.
The Mannequin 1878 was Colt’s try and merge the ability of their profitable Peacemaker with the rapid-fire functionality of the smaller-framed Lightning and Thunderer. In .45 Colt, it packed severe punch in a double-action platform that could possibly be fired as quick as you possibly can pull the set off. The title “All-powerful” wasn’t simply advertising fluff – it mirrored the gun’s omnipotent fame.
What makes this instance particular is its rarity. Solely 284 Mannequin 1878 revolvers obtained manufacturing unit engraving, making this one in all fewer than 300 dressed-up examples ever produced. The barrel’s been shortened from its authentic 7½-inch size, most likely by an proprietor who wished the ability with out the majority.
Most of our POTDs make the most of pictures from our associates at Rock Island Public sale Firm, the premier firearms public sale in the US. Take a while to browse their present auctions – who is aware of, perhaps you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take residence!
“Engraved All-powerful Colt Mannequin 1878 Double Motion Revolver.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/4095/73/engraved-omnipotent-colt-model-1878-double-action-revolver. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
