Original U.S. Colt M-1877 .41cal Thunderer 4 ½ Inch Barrel Revolver made in 1890 - Serial 77489

Original Item: Only One Available The romance around Colt "Cowboy" Revolvers never ceases to amaze us. This is a fine example of the Model 1877 "Thunderer" Double Action .41 Caliber Revolver. This is the same model that was carried by "Billy the Kid", though it is from years after his era. It is marked on the bottom of the grip, frame, and trigger guard with serial number 77489, indicating it was made in 1890. The cylinder is not matching, and is marked with 8 6 (or 9 8) on the reverse, and there is no assembly number stamped onto the loading gate.

The M1877 was offered from the factory in two basic finishes: nickel-plated or a case-hardened frame with a blue barrel and cylinder. The revolver was available in barrel lengths from 2.5" to 7.5" and was available with or without the ejector rod and housing. The shorter barreled versions without the ejector rod were marketed as "shopkeeper's specials".

This example has a nice medium length 4 1/2" barrel, and came with a blued and case hardened finish from the factory, which has worn to a dull gray patina overall, with some areas of past peppering. It has an ejector rod installed, and is still clearly marked on the top of the barrel with the Colt address:-

COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co.
HARTFORD. CT. U. S. A.

It also still has all of the original patent markings on the left side of the frame:-

PAT. SEPT 19.1871.
''    ''    5. ''74.
''   JAN.19. ''75.

There is no "Circled Prancing Pony" stamp, which is not uncommon, as 1890-1891 was the period it was introduced.

The M1877 revolvers were marketed under different names such as "LIGHTNING" to appeal to different groups of customers. Although all were of the same basic design, they were also referred to as "THUNDERERS", "RAINMAKERS", and SHERIFF'S MODELS" as well, depending on the caliber and configuration. None of these names were Colt designations, nor used by the factory in any reference materials of the time. All of these terms were coined by Benjamin Kittredge, one of Colt's major distributors. Kittredge was responsible for the terms "Peacemaker" for the Single Action Army, "Omnipotent" for the Colt M1878 double-action (often known as the "Frontier" model), and nicknames for the various chamberings of the New Line models. This example is roll stamped COLT. D.A. 41 on the left side of the barrel with a 41 stamped on the bottom, so it is definitely a "Thunderer."

We purchased this revolver as a "THUNDERER" and it is in very good working order and condition, showing a lovely "frontier worn" patina overall. The original finish has been replaced by a gray worn patina, with some peppering in areas. Its bird's head hard rubber grips bear the Colt prancing horse logo on each side, and still much of the original checkering, showing honest use and wear. In great unmessed with condition.

The revolver functions almost flawlessly in both single and double action, with just a bit of slop in the mechanics. It indexes great, the cylinder lockup is strong, and it has a crisp dry fire. The cylinder arbor pin pulled out correctly, allowing the cylinder to be removed. We checked the bore, and it is in good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with dull finish. There are some areas of past oxidation and fouling, so this definitely looks to be a revolver that saw a lot of use on the frontier.

The "Lightning" was the favored personal weapon of famous Manchester (UK) Victorian detective and then head of CID, Jerome Caminada. Old West outlaw John Wesley Hardin frequently used both "Lightning" and "Thunderer" versions of the Colt 1877 revolver. Likewise 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 Garrett in 1881.

A fine "frontier worn" example of an early Cartridge Colt Revolver in .41 caliber in very nice condition and ready to display. A Pre-1899 ANTIQUE firearm made in 1890.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1890
Caliber: .41 "Long" Colt
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 ½ inches
Overall Length: 9 ½ inches
Action: Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver