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RARE EARLY 1ST YEAR PRODUCTION 38 COLT MODEL 1877 DA “LIGHTNING” 3-1/2” BARREL BEAUTIFUL CHECKERED WALNUT GRIPS, FACTORY LETTER, DUAL BRITISH PROOFS
Guns International #: 101535981 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Antique - Colt Revolvers - Lightning
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:
This is a most interesting Colt M1877 DA Shipped 1877 to London, Originally Proofed for Black Powder and Later for Smokeless, and Equipped with Highly Desirable Checkered Rosewood Grips and Single Action Style Front Sight.
This early production 38 Colt with S/N 1644 was shipped to Colt’s London Agency, London, England on October 4, 1877. It was a 38/c, 3-1/2”, Blue, 30 Guns in shipment. Because the type of stocks were considered standard at the time, this item was not listed in the shipping record.
When received in London in 1877, this revolver went through the standard British Proofing Procedure. Behind each cylinder flute was stamped an alternating Crown/CP and Crown/V. The CP signifies “Certified Proved”, and the V means “Viewed” inspected. Under the barrel and to the left about 45 degrees is again the Crown/CP and Crown/V.
Sometime after 1900, and very possibly prior to the Battle Of Britain crisis in 1940, the level of proofing was upgraded for Smokeless Powder. This time the small proof marks were stamped inside of the cylinder flutes. An additional Crown/CP was stamped on the right side of the trigger guard. Then under the barrel was stamped “NP 380, 710”, 4 Tons”. The “380” is the bore diameter. Even though the 38 Colt cartridge was not readily available in Britain, their common 380 Ely Long cartridge would chamber nicely in this revolver.
This early revolver was equipped with a German silver front sight of the Colt Single Action Profile, a sight type that was used for a very brief time.
The serial number 1644 appears on the frame, trigger guard, backstrap, and underside of barrel. It is also no doubt inked in the backstrap channel of the grips, but I never risk removing one-piece grips when they fit perfectly everywhere, and are obviously original. The cylinder is numbered 1, 6, 4, 4 between chambers as it should be. The cylinder diameter is 1.347”, which is smaller than later production. When the 41 Colt caliber was first offered in late 1877, the cylinder diameter had to be increased by 0.030”.
This is one of the earliest Colt Lightnings with a mainspring tension screw, a feature added after about serial number 1000.
All markings are very distinct on this revolver, including the etched “Colt D. A. 38”, the patent dates, the two-line barrel address, and all serial numbers. The gate has the assembly number 572, which matches a number on the frame under the trigger guard.
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, and the pictures may show some grease in chambers after this gun was thoroughly cleaned.
The metal surfaces have retained a generous 20% fire blue overall, with balance fading to a nice blending medium gray color. The early coarse-checkered grips are in excellent condition, showing about 85% original varnish and only minor wear. There are no chips out anywhere.
Fifteen High Resolution Photographs are presented with this listing.
A fine early example of the Colt Lightning with a $150 Colt Factory letter.
Additional pictures sent on request. Send me an email, and we can set up a phone call to discuss details of this antique gun.
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 ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Send me an email, and we can set up a phone call to discuss details of this antique gun.
See my 21 years of 100% positive 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 (11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" priority box) Registered Mail Insured for $35.40 (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
Antique: Yes