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![]() 1878 LETTERED Antique COLT M1877 THUNDERER .41 Colt Double Action REVOLVER Shipped to HENRY L. VANUYCK on JANUARY 25, 1879 Guns International #: 103323522 Seller's Inventory #: 250236 Category: Colt Revolvers - Antique - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge Seller's Information When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com ![]() 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: 1067 Total Number of Listings: 41320 Seller: FFL Dealer Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns. Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order Description: 1878 LETTERED Antique COLT M1877 THUNDERER .41 Colt Double Action REVOLVER Shipped to HENRY L. VANUYCK on JANUARY 25, 1879 Here we present an antique Colt Model 1877 Thunderer Double Action Revolver, made in 1878 in Hartford, Connecticut. 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 designed in 1876 by William Mason and was offered in three different calibers with production beginning in January 1877, which led to the three unofficial names. The first production model was the “Lightning”, in .38 Long Colt caliber. Later that year, Colt came out with the .41 Long Colt caliber called the “Thunderer”. The .32 Long Colt caliber, called the “Rainmaker”, didn’t go into production until sometime in 1887. Benjamin Kittredge, the largest Colt Distributor in Cincinnati, Ohio, coined the nicknames for these guns as a marketing tool. He was also responsible for calling the Model 1873 Single Action Army the “Peacemaker”. None of the nicknames were ever used by the factory in any reference materials. The 1877 "Thunderer” in .41 caliber was the preferred weapon of Billy the Kid and was his weapon of choice when he was killed by Pat Garret in 1881. Included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as shipment to Henry L. Vanuyck on January 25, 1879. The overall condition is good. Original, gray and brown mottled patina. The action fully functions, is slightly out of time, and has no safety of half cock notches. Good grips with an expected amount of handling wear. Markings are legible, albeit worn in a few places. Markings on the left side of the barrel are remarked. Visible numbers match. Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction. Barrel is 6 inches. Caliber: .41 Long Colt Overall condition as seen in photos. Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail! Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY. ancestryguns $2000 #250236 Price: $2,000.00 Antique: Yes |