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RARE EARLY 1880’S PRODUCTION 41 COLT MODEL 1877 DA “LIGHTNING / THUNDERER” 2-1/2” BARREL, NICE CHECKERED WALNUT GRIPS, FACTORY LETTER
Guns International #: 101135258 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Antique - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: victorio1sw
Member Since: 8/4/13
State: Texas
Country: United States
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders.
Description:
********SOLD********
Description:
The Colt factory letter notes 41/c, 2-1/2", Nickel, Stocks Not Listed, Shipped to Hartley & Graham., NYC, 20 Guns, July 3, 1883. Hartley & Graham was one of Colt’s five major dealers that wholesaled/retailed guns all over the USA, often enhanced with engraving and other special work.
Based on the Potocki random sample study, only about 13,348 (or 8%) of the 166,849 total production of Colt 1877 DA’s had 2-1/2” barrels. Based on Dr. Richard Marohn’s study of 1877-1897 total production, only 41% were in 41 Colt caliber. The latter study also proved that nickel was the most popular finish, with almost 80% of all production being nickel plated. Again the latter study indicated that 92% of the production were fitted with hard rubber grips.
The first Colt M1877 DA’s were chambered for 38 Colt. In August 1877 the 41 Colt was introduced. In effort to provide additional design factor against rupture, the cylinder diameters were increased by about 0.030”.
The serial number 44824 appears on the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap, and 824 on the rear of cylinder between chambers. By this time in production the serial numbers were no longer applied to the barrels. The gate is numbered “440 / (dot)”, and its profile fits in perfectly with that of the semi-spherical recoil shield. The hammer slot of the frame is stamped with the factory inspector “H” and also a “(dot)”. The exact meaning of the rarely-seen dot marking has not been discovered, but it always is found on more than one part.
This early revolver was equipped with a plated steel front sight. The top of that sight has been trimmed slightly, leaving it close to a Colt Single Action profile.
All markings are very distinct on this revolver. The etched “Colt D. A. 41” is unusually bold and clear. The patent dates, two-line barrel address, and all serial numbers are again clearly stamped. It must be mentioned that the barrel address is a scaled-down version as used on 2-1/2” and shorter barrels. It is about 3/8” (35%) shorter than those seen on the longer barrels. The rear trigger guard bow is stamped “41 Cal” to confirm the etched legend on the barrel (which is often worn off).
The mechanism works perfectly, with all hammer notches sharp as new, and providing tight cylinder lock-up. The bore is excellent and bright. The cylinder chambers are also excellent, with the pictures showing some grease as applied after this gun was thoroughly cleaned.
This Colt retains a high degree of original nickel plating. Some of the pictures don’t clearly show all of this plating, but the frame/gate coverage is 95%, the barrel 90%, cylinder 95%, backstrap 70%, and trigger guard 70%. Notice that even the fronts of barrel and cylinder still show an unusual amount of original nickel. The balance is a nicely-blending light gray color. The rear of the hammer and trigger retain 75% of their fire blue.
The early coarse-checkered walnut grips fit very well on this revolver. Because the trigger strap was drilled for two-piece grips, these one-piece walnuts were likely an upgrade by one of its owners. Whatever the case, these checkered wood grips definitely add to eye appeal and to the gun’s value.
Fifteen High Resolution Photographs are presented with this listing. Six Cylinder Panel Views are included in one picture so that 360º of cylinder exterior can be seen. Also, four Inside Frame Views show the condition of those surfaces surrounding the cylinder. In that picture the underside of the topstrap appears spotty, but that is plating loss, not pitting.
A fine early example of the Colt Lightning with a $150 Colt Factory letter. No FFL Required, can Ship Directly to purchaser.
Terms:
No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as a collector’s Colt M1877 DA. If you want to shoot any older gun, first take it to a competent gunsmith and have it checked out.
Three day inspection period, but please ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Contact me by email with request for pictures, or with questions. We can then also set up a phone call to discuss all details of this antique gun.
See my 19 years of feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, CCA, RSA, and S&WCA.
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No personal checks or Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by USPS Priority Mail Registered Insured (11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" priority box) for $31.40 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received.
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Antique: Yes