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HIGH CONDITION EARLY 1900’S PRODUCTION 38 COLT MODEL 1877 DA “LIGHTNING” 4-1/2” BARREL, FACTORY LETTER, SOLD TO WITTE HDWE CO.
Guns International #: 102600685 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Double Action Pre-War - 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:
Description:
Every now and then, one of these Colt M1877 DA’s surfaces in nearly new condition. This one does show some handling wear, mainly on the straps surrounding the grips. The grip wear proves that this was a “Drawer Gun”. Every time the drawer was pulled open, the gun slid on its side, leaving wear to the highest point of the grips. The amounts of blue remaining is: barrel 95%, housing 65%, Cylinder 95%, backstrap 40% with other areas fading to blue-gray, and trigger guard 50% with other areas fading to blue-gray. The top and rear of hammer has 90% fire blue, as does the back of the trigger. But the Case Colors are also most impressive, with 75% being bright and colorful. And the know that exposure to light fades case colors, but that drawer protected this gun from light.
None of the surfaces show the unusual random dents or abuse. The cylinder pin knurling is like new, and never had a pliers applied. Closely associated, is the underside of the barrel, which remains perfect with no expected dents and gouges left when the cylinder pin was stuck.
The Colt factory letter notes 38/c, 4-1/2", Blue, Stocks Not Listed, Shipped to Witte Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO, on June 9, 1905, 15 Guns. The “Stocks Not Listed” entry simply means that the grips were of the standard type for the time (Hard Rubber). Witte is a destination rarely seen on Colt letters. Attached to the Colt letter picture is an image of Witte Hardware from a 1908 ad.
The clearly-stamped serial number 157032 appears on the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. There is no number on the rear of cylinder, as is often seen in this serial range. The front of the cylinder is stamped “|2/2|” by the factory inspector. By this time in production the serial numbers were no longer applied to the barrels. The gate is numbered 67 and matches on the underside of frame. The hammer slot of the frame is stamped with the factory inspector “5”.
The steel front sight on this revolver retains its original tall profile, and was never “topped-off” with a file.
All markings are very distinct on this revolver. The stamped “Colt D. A. 38” is bold and clear. The patent dates, rampant Colt, two-line barrel address, and all serial numbers are again clearly stamped. On many Colt M1877 DA’s the serial numbers on trigger guards and backstraps are poorly-stamped, due to the semispherical surfaces.
The mechanism works as if new, with all hammer notches sharp and audibly clicking the sear, providing tight cylinder lock-up, and with no hesitation in trigger return action. It works perfectly in both single action and double action – again as if new. The bore is bright and shiny throughout with strong rifling. Overall, the bore condition on a 1 to 10 scale is a strong 9.9. The cylinder chambers are excellent and smooth, as shown in pictures (just a little dirty!).
BTW, the barrel on this late production gun has a 0.357” bore, not the 0.375” of earlier guns. The chambers are almost straight-through, with only a slight taper down to 0.375”. This was done by Colt so that the new hollow-base 38 Colt cartridges could be used, along with the earlier heeled-bullet cartridges.
The hard rubber grips are unusually nice on this revolver, and the penciled serial numbers are partially visible inside. Such nice grips definitely add to the overall eye appeal, and enhance a gun’s value. The only grip wear was caused by sliding in that drawer.
Fourteen High Resolution Photographs are included with this listing. All of the revolver’s surfaces have been covered, the major markings are presented, and the three hammer cock positions are also shown in sequence. Each of the six cylinder panels are shown. The last picture is a scan of the Colt Letter, which is in itself worth $200.
Must be shipped to your local FFL dealer.
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 25 years of feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, and CCA.
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 FedEx Insured (in 12" x 8" x 6" Box) for $55.00 (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.
Price: $2,395.00
Curio/Relic: Yes