Special Order Colt Deluxe Lightning Small Frame Slide Action Rifle with Casehardened Frame .22 RM

Description:
A very scarce deluxe, special-order Colt Lightning small-frame rifle manufactured in 1890, this example stands well apart from standard production with its casehardened frame, deluxe figured wood, pistol-grip stock, and factory checkering. With documented collector context from Norm Flayderman and R.L. Wilson, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the far less commonly encountered high-grade Lightning rifles.

• Manufactured in 1890
• Small-frame Colt Lightning rifle
• Very scarce special-order deluxe configuration
• Collector significance:
  • According to Norm Flayderman, just under 90,000 small-frame Colt Lightning rifles were produced in total
  • Only a very small percentage were special ordered or built in deluxe configurations
  • This makes this particular rifle a rare survivor among an already desirable Colt production line
• Special-order and deluxe context:
  • Colt offered many optional and deluxe features on Lightning rifles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
  • Because these rifles were generally viewed as working guns, and because deluxe features added cost, relatively few were ordered with upgraded options
• Notable rarity of the stock configuration:
  • Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson noted that pistol-grip stocks were “available on special order, but only a very few were manufactured”
  • Wilson also noted that rifles leaving the factory with deluxe stocks amounted to only “a few arms”
• Premium special-order features on this rifle:
  • Casehardened frame
  • Deluxe wood
  • Finely figured slide handle
  • Pistol-grip stock
  • Factory multi-point checkering on both the slide handle and stock
• Barrel and frame markings:
  • Top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line Colt address and patent dates
  • Caliber marking is located on the upper left barrel flat at the breech
  • Rampant Colt marking appears on the left side of the frame
• Matching serial-number details:
  • Matching serial number on the lower tang
  • Matching serial number on the left side of the upper tang
  • Matching serial number on the front face of the stock
• Sights:
  • Lyman “Hunting” beaded blade front sight
  • Elevation-adjustable notch rear sight
• Stock and furniture:
  • Very finely figured slide handle
  • Pistol-grip stock with attractive deluxe figure
  • Blank inlaid German silver plate on the bottom of the stock
  • Checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate
• A standout collectible for advanced Colt enthusiasts, Lightning rifle specialists, and collectors seeking rare factory special-order features with strong historical and investment appeal

Condition

Fine, retains 60% of the original blue finish and 30% of the original case colors with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered patches of light pitting, and a few scattered minor dings. The wood is very good with a sliver absent from the top left edge of the slide handle, minor dings and scratches, a few light edge chips, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically functions. An extremely rare example of a special ordered, casehardened, deluxe, small frame, Colt Lightning rifle!

Rifle Caliber: .22 WRF
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Lightning
Serial Number: 11844
Barrel Length: 24 inch octagon
Condition: The bore is frosted with some very light pitting and distinct rifling.

Price: $9,499.99