Based on research conducted by noted Colt historian and author Don Wilkerson, this is one of only two plain nickel plated Model 1878 revolvers with a 9 inch barrel in .44-40 WCF (see Colt's Double-Auction Revolver Model of 1878," page 261). The accompanying factory letter states the rare special order revolver was shipped to E.C. Meacham Arms of St. Louis, Missouri, on July 18, 1887, with a 9 inch barrel in .44 caliber, nickel finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a single gun shipment. It has the standard one-line address marked on top of the barrel and "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" on the left in the desirable etched panel. "44 CAL" is on the left of the trigger guard. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame top groove rear sight, a lanyard ring and stud on the butt, and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colt's at the top. Designed by William Mason and Charles Brinckerhoff, Colt's factory manager and Superintendent of Engineering, the Model 1878 revolver was intended to be a double action alternative to Colt's legendary Single Action Army revolver. With 51,210 being produced, the 1878 was never nearly as popular as its single action cousin; however, there were still many that favored it in the West for its firepower, including Captain Jack Crawford, who replaced Buffalo Bill Cody as "Chief of Scouts" shortly after the Battle of Little Bighorn. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection