Welcome to at present’s Photo of the Day! Right here’s a chunk of firearms historical past that exhibits how a intelligent advertising nickname can outlive the gun itself. This factory-engraved Colt Mannequin 1878, shipped to B. Kittredge & Co. on Christmas Eve 1878, carries the etched “OMNIPOTENT” panel that gave this revolver its grandiose nickname.
Benjamin Kittredge was the P.T. Barnum of gun sellers – the person who coined “Peacemaker” for the Single Motion Military, “Lightning” and “Thunderer” for the Mannequin 1877s, and “All-powerful” for this double-action beast. His advertising genius turned Colt’s dry mannequin numbers into names that captured the general public creativeness and caught for over a century.
The Mannequin 1878 was Colt’s try to merge the facility of their profitable Peacemaker with the rapid-fire functionality of the smaller-framed Lightning and Thunderer. In .45 Colt, it packed critical punch in a double-action platform that could possibly be fired as quick as you might pull the set off. The title “All-powerful” wasn’t simply advertising fluff – it mirrored the gun’s omnipotent status.
What makes this instance particular is its rarity. Solely 284 Mannequin 1878 revolvers obtained manufacturing unit engraving, making this certainly one of fewer than 300 dressed-up examples ever produced. The barrel’s been shortened from its authentic 7½-inch size, in all probability by an proprietor who needed the facility with out the majority.
Most of our POTDs make the most of photographs from our pals at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in america. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, possibly you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take dwelling!
“Engraved All-powerful Colt Mannequin 1878 Double Motion Revolver.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/4095/73/engraved-omnipotent-colt-model-1878-double-action-revolver. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
Author | TheFirearmBlog
Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Outdated soul, licensed gunsmith, revealed creator, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of previous and distinctive weapons.
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