Guns International #: 101299578
Seller's Inventory #: 190780

Category - Colt Revolvers - Lightning - Colt Revolvers - Antique

Category
Colt Revolvers - Lightning
Colt Revolvers - Antique

EARLY Antique COLT 1877 “LIGHTNING” .38 Revolver CASED Etched Panel Double Action .38 Colt Made in 1880

Description:
EARLY Antique COLT 1877 “Lightning” .38 Revolver

CASED Etched Panel Double Action .38 Colt Made in 1880

Here we present an antique Colt 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver in .38 Colt, made in 1880 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 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.

This one comes in a hobbyist oak case ready to accessorize with some ammunition. It is acid etched on the left side of the barrel with “COLT DA .38”, an earlier and somewhat delicate feature which would be replaced later with stampings.

The overall condition is very fine. 99% of the original nickel finish is present. The nitre blue on the back of the hammer and trigger is 97%. The markings are clear. The numbers match. The trademarked hard rubber grips are in great shape. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. The action is excellent in both double and single action. This one is in phenomenal condition and would be the crown jewel in many a collection!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 3-1/2 inches.

Caliber: .38 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

$3350

#190780

SOLD

Antique: Yes