Guns International #: 102807839
Seller's Inventory #: 233913

Category - Colt Revolvers - Lightning - Handguns - American Revolvers

Category
Colt Revolvers - Lightning
Handguns - American Revolvers

ST LOUIS MISSOURI Witte Hardware Lettered COLT Model 1877 LIGHTNING .38 C&R Classic Double Action Revolver Made in 1904

Description:
ST LOUIS MISSOURI Witte Hardware Lettered COLT Model 1877 Lightning .38 C&R

Classic Double Action Revolver Made in 1904

Here we present a C&R Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver, made in 1904 in Hartford, Connecticut. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as shipment to Witte Hardware Company in Saint Louis, Missouri on October 14, 1904.

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 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.

The overall condition is near fine. Original blue finish and case colors. The action excellent in both double and single action. The bore is in very good condition with strong rifling. Grips are solid. Numbers match.

This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Barrel is 4-1/2 inches.

Caliber: .38 Long Colt

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$2100

#233913

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes