Many of those had their barrels removed for use in re-barreling old Colt SAA's. That practice probably makes such nice looking ones like yours quite scarce.
I have to confess I've never seen one of these, but I think it is a sweet looking revolver. A real time capsule from a bygone era, and in exceptional condition. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful. I never get why something like that made with that level of hand assembled, fitted, and finished gets overlooked not to mention being a survivor of 127 years. Those that collect trout lure late model polished up guns would look at that and say why would I want that ugly old thing? Well I overrule and say stunning!
A really interesting design, it does have a certain appeal. I've read, however, that the double action was rather fragile, and that worked against it. Is this the one that Billy the Kid was supposed to have carried? Or is that just in the movies.
This a slightly later model 1878 New Frontier DA Colt that replaced the fragile first series of 1877. These were produced through 1907. I have had one for about 40 years. It's a 44-40 and is my favorite "using" pistol.
I am quite impressed by the condition, but even more so by the custom-level metal work, both in fitting and polishing. Look at that hammer fit into the frame! Would cost 3K+ for that today.
The big screw is a LEFT handed screw and most don't know that and they Bugger up the screw heads. It loosens the disc and it locks in with a cut and tab when loose. Access to the inside of the gun. Very Strong and robust gun compared to the more fragile Colt 1877's in .32 Colt (Rainmaker)...38 long Colt (Lightning)....41 Colt (Thunderer). They are sometimes called the Philippine models with the bigger trigger guard and longer trigger. Some mistakenly call them the Alaskan models to be shot with gloved hands, but not so. Hope this helps you. Big Jake # 1001 SASS Life.
Jack, I gather that .38 is called the Philippine model because of the pistol's poor showing against a determined enemy during the insurrection. I recall they had to reissue the SAA in .45 Long Colt to gain enough stopping power.
Apparently the sturdier model was the next one down the pike.
Paulem, Big JAKE here, I believe the .38 cal Long Colt you talk about is from the U,S. Army 1892, 1899 model that was the current sidearm using the 130 grain bullet @ 800 fps and wouldn't Stop the Finaticial Moros in the Philippines. They wanted a .45 cal and called up the old SAA. The 1878 wasn't that gun and was chambered in ,45 Colt, .44-40 WCF and .38-40 WCF and not the smaller cartridge.
My memory ain't what it used to be, so thanks for that info. I think I recall the motto "Civilize 'um with a Krag" was from that campaign. Wiry little devils, them Moros.
Handsome piece, with those nice pearl grips. Always interesting to see the different grip configurations over the years. Some good, although the original SAA is hard to beat. Never tried the Keith number five, but it's looks good. The Bisley I never found comfortable in the hand, and was somewhat mystified that it was touted as a target model, or at least named for the famous Matches. The Ruger version of the Bisley grip is better I think. Still, I'll take the 1873 version, that one fits me.
I tend to agree with PAULEM on the Bisley. While I owned a Colt Bisley and appreciate them, it just never felt right in my hand. A friend has a couple of Ruger Bisleys and they feel better than the Colts but still not quite right.
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