This is a nice untouched example of an early Colt SAA Revolver in the scarce .45 Eley or Boxer Caliber with 5 1/2" barrel, walnut grips, and Colt's London Pall Mall Address on the barrel.  Original blued and case colored finish has remnants in protected areas. Serial number is in the 44,000 range.  Made in 1878.  All matching numbers throughout including the barrel and cylinder.  Left side of Trigger guard is marked "45 CAL" <over> "B" denoting its for the .45 Boxer Caliber or as some collectors note, the .45 Eley.  Early style donut-head ejector rod.  Left side of fram has the 1871, 72, and 75 Patent dates.  Barrel address reads "COLT'S PT FA MFG CO  HARTFORT CT U.S.A. DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON." 

Overall condition grades to NRA Antique Very Good with the metal turned to a mostly smooth brown patina.  Traces of case color and original blue still remain in some of the protected areas and there is still a fair amount of original blue on the cylinder mixed in with the patina.  The muzzle areas at the front of the barrel and edges of cylinder show some fine corrosion from black powder residue.  All chambers of cylinder are nice and still have their original .45 eley or boxer chambering with the shoulders present.  Many of these have been converted to .45 Colt over the years...this one is still original.  Fine+ to Exc. bore...still bright with strong rifling.  Action is perfect with all 4 clicks when the hammer is cocked. Very good screws throughout.  The grips in terms of finish are Excellent+ as they still retain 97% of their original varnish.  In terms of wear, they show some dings and nicks that would grade them down slightly to VG+ or Fine.  No chips, cracks, or repairs. Never cleaned, or touched in any way!  For a Colt made in 1878, this revolver shows remarkably little wear...mostly just age where the finish has faded to patina.  A nice untouched example.

Item# 0782

SOLD