With the popularity of double action revolvers in Europe, Samuel Colt began experimenting with a double action revolver design as early as the 1850's. However, Colt would ultimately shelve the project; as he deemed the double action system to be unreliable. Colt died in 1862, but it would be nearly 15 years before the company would take another look at the double action revolver.
A new design was was drafted by William Mason; one of the designers of the iconic Colt 1873 "Peacemaker". His idea for a small framed, double action revolver would be adopted as the Colt 1878 "Lightning". These revolvers were immediately popular, but it soon became clear that their action was extremely delicate; giving the 1877 the nickname "the gunsmith's favorite".
A year later, the design was refined by Colt's Superintendent of Engineering; Charles Brinckerhoff Richards. The modified design was built on a much larger frame; which allowed the new design to be chambered in the venerable .45 Colt cartridge. Richards also redesigned the sear and cylinder stop, two of the 1877's most fragile components, to give the new large frame pistol a much more positive lock up. The resulting firearm was designated the Model 1878; and proved to be much more robust than it's little brother, the Model 1877. The new pistol proved to be quite popular, and Colt made more than 50,000 of them between 1878 and 1907.
Out of the 51,210 Model 1878 revolvers made, 4,600 were made for the United States Ordnance Department between 1900 and 1902. Known as the “Philippine” models, they were intended to equip the Philippine Constabulary in the Philippine Insurrection. All 4,600 of these revolvers were chambered in .45 Colt and had 6 inch barrels.
The U.S. Army had originally tested the Model 1878 during the 1879 trials, but ultimately rejected it largely because of problems with light primer strikes. However, after reports from the Philippines that the .38 caliber Colt Model 1892 revolvers lacked the stopping power needed to combat the Philippine "Moro" fighters, Colt jumped at the opportunity to arm the military with an updated double action with the power of a .45.
To combat the stiff primers found on government ammunition Colt added a stronger main spring to the 1878 revolver and lengthening the trigger to give the shooter more leverage on the correspondingly heavier trigger. The trigger guard was also enlarged, as necessary to fit the lengthened trigger. The government purchased 4600 of the guns for use in the Philippines in 1902. Unofficially dubbed the Colt Model 1902 revolver, or "Philippine Model", the government-purchased 1878's were inspected by Captain John T. Thompson and Rinaldo A Carr. Their initials can be found on the principle components of the Colt 1902.
This particular Philippine Model Colt is an extremely early production with serial number data putting its year of manufacture in 1900; making this pistol among the first to be delivered to the Federal Government.
It is mechanically excellent and features a large percentage of its original blued finish, which has begun to turn "plum" with age. Vibrant bluing is still visible in the protected areas with nitre bluing visible on many of the screws. Its serial number places its date of manufacture in 1906.
This pistol functions flawlessly on both double and single action and features a solid lock up.
The black hard rubber grips are original and in excellent shape with no cracks or chips and fit the pistol very well.
All the serial numbers match, and Rinaldo A. Carr "RAC" inspector's stamps can be found on the gun's principle components.
The bore and all six chambers are good with no major rust and some minor pitting throughout. The rifling in the bore is good with no real rust or pitting.
This rare pistol would be a great shooter, and a perfect choice for any Colt collector!
*This weapon was made after 1899 and MUST be shipped to a Federal Firearms License holder, or Curio & Relic License holder, for transfer. Never bought a gun through an FFL before? Give us a call at (262) 473-5444 and we'd be glad to walk you through this simple process.
