Original U.S. Colt Nickel-Plated M1877 .38cal Lightning Revolver with 4 1/2" Barrel Made in 1891 - Matching Serial 83057

Original Item: Only One Available The romance around Colt "Cowboy" Revolvers never ceases to amaze us. This is a fine nickel-plated example of the Model 1877 "Lightning" Double Action .38 Caliber Revolver. It is marked on the bottom of the grip, frame, and trigger guard with serial number 83057, indicating it was made in 1891. The back of the cylinder is marked with shortened serial number 57, and also assembly number 681. It also is marked on the loading gate with assembly number 371. This is a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years.

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 4 ½" barrel, and looks to have been nickel plated from the factory, or possibly nickel plated by the retailer, as we can see no signs of oxidation under the plating, but some of the markings are just a bit worn. It is marked on the top of the barrel with the Colt address:-

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

The left side of the frame bears the Colt "Prancing Pony in Circle" Logo, introduced in 1891, and to the left of this are the patent dates, which are still fully legible:-

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

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 marked COLT. D.A. 38 on the left side of the barrel, so it is definitely a "Lightning." There is also 38 stamped onto the bottom of the barrel right by the cylinder arbor pin.

We purchased this revolver as a "LIGHTNING" and it is in fine working order and condition. The original finish is very well retained, with wear near the front of the cylinder and barrel breech, which are the parts of the gun most exposed to the propellant gasses. There is some wear through on the left flash guard and around the trigger guard from handling, as well as some on one side of the cylinder, possibly from contact with a holster. However it still presents quite nicely overall. Its bird's head "gutta-percha" hard rubber grips bear the Colt prancing horse logo on each side. Grips show wear to the checkering and light scratches, but there are no cracks or chips.

The revolver functions correctly, with good indexing and a tight cylinder lockup. It works in both single and double action, and we did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is definitely some wear, and we can see some evidence past oxidation and fouling that has been cleaned away, however it is definitely well above average.

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 great example of an early Cartridge Colt Revolver in .38 caliber in very nice condition and ready to display, A Pre-1899 ANTIQUE, made in 1895.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1891
Caliber: .38 "Long" Colt
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 ½ inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single/Double Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver