Guns International #: 103149466
Seller's Inventory #: 247284

Category - Colt Revolvers - Lightning - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge

Category
Colt Revolvers - Lightning
Antique Revolvers - Cartridge

Antique LETTERED American Express Co. COLT M1877 LIGHTNING .38 DA Revolver FACTORY LETTERED Double Action w/DISPLAY CASE

Description:
Antique LETTERED American Express Co. COLT M1877 LIGHTNING .38 DA Revolver
FACTORY LETTERED Double Action w/DISPLAY CASE
Here we present an antique Factory Lettered American Express Company Marked Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver, made in 1894 in Hartford, Connecticut. This example has “Am. Exp. Co.” engraved on back strap from the factory and the factory letter confirms the configuration as well as shipment to the Simmons Hardware Co. in Saint Louis on August 20, 1894, as part of a 10 gun shipment.
In 1850, American Express was founded when Henry Wells, William G. Fargo, and John Butterfield merged their companies to form American Express. Its core business was express delivery of packages, valuables, and other goods. By 1862, there were 890 offices, more than 1,500 employees, and a network of nearly 10,000 miles of railway and express routes from the East Coast to Minnesota and Missouri. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, they introduced new financial products and travel services that helped support customers’ everyday lives. In the 1950s, they introduced a charge card, offering customers a new and convenient way to pay. American Express is now a globally integrated payments company still in business today.
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 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 both a nickel-plated .41 caliber Colt Thunderer and 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.
The overall condition is good. Weathered and well-used appearance. The action is strong in both double and single action with good cylinder index and lockup, holding half-cock as well. The bore is patinated with worn rifling. The Colt trademarked hard rubber grips have a few chips in the bottom but otherwise solid. Numbers match where visible. Clearly marked for American Express on the back of the grip frame. A great piece of American Express history that is ready for display!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 4-1/2 inches.
Caliber: .38 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
$2200
#247284
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $2,200.00
Buy Now
Pay with