Colt Model 1877 'Lightning'

.38LC

Description

UNUSUAL GUN! The Colt Model 1877 was the first double-action revolver manufactured by Colt's Patent Fire Arms between 1877 to 1909 for a total of just 166,849 revolvers made. The Model 1877 was offered in three calibres, which lent them three unofficial names: the "Lightning", the "Thunderer" & the "Rainmaker". The Model 1877 was the favoured gun of many gunfighters on both sides of the law & Billy the Kid was known to be carrying one when shot dead by Pat Garrett in 1881. This is in excellent unrestored condition & comes with a Colt Factory Letter of authentication. It locks up very tight, works in both DA & SA plus the half-cock works. The S/N dates this example to 1901 & it comes with what we believe may be the original holster. The grip has been customised in what appears to be either a period correct modification which has been done extremely well, or specifically made for a customer from the Colt factory. The Colt Archive Properties letter unfortunately does not specify what grips it was sent out with. We have been unable to find any others like this or even images of another with this grip. We have had people with more knowledge of Colts than us look at this. All have shrugged their shoulders & their eyes had that far away look. This appears to be highly uncommon, if not extremely rare. All agree it may well have come from the Colt factory like this or could have been a custom grip made for the customer after they received it. This could be an extremely rare revolver to complete your Colt collection. As always, the pictures form the main description so look carefully before making your decision & ask for more if desired. We always recommend a qualified gunsmith checks this out before firing due to its age (& this gun is out of warranty).

Specifications