Colt DA Alaskan 1878/1902 – .45 Colt – Mint-Bore US Army Issue Collector’s Revolver

Colt Double Action Revolver – Model 1878/1902 "Alaskan"

Manufacture: 1900 – Caliber: .45 Colt – Feature: US Army Issue

A rare US Army-issue Colt Double Action 1878/1902 "Alaskan" revolver. This .45 Colt collector's piece retains its original blued finish, military markings, and a remarkable, mirror-like bore.

History

The Colt Double Action Model 1878 was the first Colt double-action revolver chambered for powerful Frontier-era cartridges, including the .45 Colt. Manufactured from 1878 to 1905, it was used by both civilians and the US armed forces. The military variant—Model 1902, nicknamed the "Alaskan" or "Philippine Constabulary Model"—was developed for the US Army. It is distinguished by its 6-inch barrel, elongated trigger, and large trigger guard, all designed to improve double-action shooting. With only about 4,600 units produced, it is now one of the most sought-after military Colt revolvers.

Our model

This military-issue Colt Double Action Model 1878/1902 is in excellent condition. The metal parts retain a significant amount of their original, deep, and lustrous blued finish. The trigger retains its "fire blue" finish, a characteristic feature of this production run. The firearm bears all its standard military markings: the clearly visible Colt "Rampant Colt" logo and the inspection stamps of military inspectors R.A.C. (Rinaldo A. Carr) and J.T.T. (John T. Thompson) and D.F.C., as well as the "U.S." marking clearly stamped on the frame. The barrel marking, while more subtle, is entirely consistent with this production run. Serial number 46XXX, located on the butt, corresponds to a 1900 date of manufacture. The original grips are in superb condition and perfectly fitted, as is the standard-issue lanyard ring on the butt.

Mechanically, the revolver is in perfect working order. Its operation is flawless in both single and double action, featuring a crisp cocking action, a powerful hammer strike, and precise cylinder indexing with no barrel-cylinder gap. The 6-inch .45 Colt barrel features a mirror-like bore with deep rifling, indicating very limited use.

This Colt Double Action Alaskan is a rare collector's piece, emblematic of the revolvers issued to the U.S. Army during the American campaigns in Cuba and the Philippines.

The firearm comes with an official classification certificate (Category D) issued by the Saint-Étienne National Proof House.