Description

Manufacturer: Colt
Country / Era: United States, built 1900, U.S. Government accepted 1902
Type/Model: Model 1878/1902 “Alaskan” (also called the Philippine Model)
Caliber: .45 Long Colt
Barrel Length: 6″
Grips: Hard rubber
Features: Oversized trigger and trigger guard
Markings: “US 1902 JTT” inspector markings on the right side of the frame; “RAC” inspector markings on the right side
Finish: Strong 95% blue
Bore: Excellent

This is a Colt 1878 in .45 Long Colt, built in 1900 with a 6″ barrel and hard rubber grips. It is one of 4,600 built for the U.S. Government with the oversized trigger and trigger guard, and it’s nicknamed the Alaskan Model because the larger trigger guard was thought to allow the shooter to wear a glove. It has “US 1902 JTT” inspector markings on the right side of the frame and “RAC” inspector markings on the right side. It retains a strong 95% blue, and the bore is excellent.

In 1902, the U.S. Army bought 4,600 Model 1878 double-action revolvers for service in the Philippines. Colt fitted them with a stronger hammer spring and a longer trigger for better reliability, and the oversized trigger guard was needed to fit the longer trigger. Many were issued to the Philippine Constabulary, which is why collectors also call it the Philippine Model.

Fun fact: “JTT” is the mark of John T. Thompson, the Army ordnance officer who led the famous Thompson-LaGarde tests that led to the .45 ACP cartridge. He later invented the Thompson submachine gun, the “Tommy gun.”

C&R eligible.

SKU: 13175