Tell me about this COLT!

[oregonty]

This is my fathers pistol. I am interested in any information you may be able to provide. There is a number present on the heal of the pistol grip area. This number reads 20878.

20
878
This is how is looks on the gun.

I know it is a 45 long colt. Thanks.

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[rickthecabbie]

I might be wrong on this but it looks to me like a Model 1878 Frontier
The serial number would date it as made in late 1887,
if I am correct....

 

[BillM]

1878 "Frontier" double action. Made toward the end of 1887. 5 1/2" barrel? Looks
complete, possibly all original, with maybe 10% finish remaining and a piece missing
from the left grip panel.

ETA--Obviously Rick has faster fingers that I do!

 

[oregonty]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your info.

 

[BillM]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your info.

No idea of your experience level, so forgive me if I'm preaching to the
choir, but this needs to be said. DO NOT even entertain any ideas of
"cleaning it up", getting it refinished, polishing the rust off etc. etc.
Leave it like it is--MAYBE replace that chipped grip if you can find a match.
The gun does have some collector value, especially if it's original and
functional. If you want to work on your gun refinishing skills, go buy
a beater shotgun or .22 and have at it.

It could be restored without completely killing the value--but
Doug Turnbull (Turnbulll Restorations) doesn't work cheap.

 

[oregonty]

Thanks again. I was not intending to do any type of work to this pistol. Just looking for some info. My father brought it to me this morning and was wondering if I knew anything about it. And now I do. You guys are great.