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RAILROAD COLT Model 1877 “Lightning” .38 Revolver
Guns International #: 101188297 Seller's Inventory #: 8189
Category: Colt Revolvers - Lightning - Colt Revolvers - Double Action Pre-War
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1567
Total Number of Listings: 30380
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
RAILROAD COLT Model 1877 “Lightning” .38 Revolver
Union Pacific and Kansas Pacific Company Issue
Here we present an antique Colt 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver, made in 1904 in Hartford, Connecticut. The stamped marking on the back of the grip reads “Pac. Ex. Co. 148953”, which stands for Pacific Express Company. The express business began in 1839 when William Frederick Harden began making regular trips between New York City and Boston as a courier transporting small parcels, currency, and other valuables. In the early years, almost all express was by horse, whether by stagecoach or riders. The express business flourished in the latter half of the 19th century with the arrival of the “Iron Horse”. The Pacific Express was founded in 1879 and was formed from the Kansas Pacific and the Union Pacific Express Railroad Companies to provide regional private mail and package services primarily west of the Mississippi River. Later, they developed a strong business liaison with the United States Express Company to provide trans-continental express service. This revolver would have been standard issue to the railroad police, more commonly known as “Special Agents”. Though its final fate is unsure, the company was either liquidated late in 1911 when Wells Fargo took it over, or it was bought out in 1914 by American Express as a result of the 1913 Parcel Post Law. Either way, with the prominence of those two companies today, the Pacific Express Company is still alive!
The Model 1877 was Colt’s first venture into double action revolvers. It was quite successful, selling 166,849 from 1877 through 1909. Nonetheless, there was some hesitation to move away from the single action mechanism, which had so proven itself. Famous adopters of the Lightning were William “Billy the Kid” Bonney and John Wesley Hardin, along with “Doc” Holliday. Doc’s weapon of choice early in his western career was an 1851 Colt Navy revolver. Later, Doc carried a nickel-plated .41 caliber Colt Thunderer or the .38 caliber Colt Lightning.
The Model 1877 was offered in three calibers, which lent them three unofficial names: the "Lightning", the "Thunderer", and the "Rainmaker". Neither "Lightning" nor "Thunderer" were Colt designations, nor used by the factory in any reference materials. Both terms were coined by Benjamin Kittredge, one of Colt's major distributors. The principal difference between the models was the cartridge in which they were chambered. The "Lightning" being chambered in .38 Long Colt and the "Thunderer" in .41 Long Colt. Both models had a six-round ammunition capacity. An earlier model in .32 Colt known as the "Rainmaker" was offered in 1877.
The overall condition is very good. The steel surfaces bear strong traces of original blue finish with a dark gray patina making up the balance. The markings are clear. The serial numbers match. The Colt trademarked hard rubber grips are in great shape. The bore is in great shape, clean with strong rifling. The action is excellent, strong and crisp.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 4-1/2 inches round
Caliber: .38 Colt
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$2350
#8189
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes