The included factory letter dated April 30, 1976 confirms that this exceptional revolver was shipped on February 21, 1879 to Colt's London Agency in London, England, with a 3 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber with finish and type of stocks not listed. This was a 100 gun shipment. The top of the barrel has the two-line Colt Pall Mall London address. The left side of the barrel has the highly sought after acid etched caliber marking ("COLT DA 38"). London proofs are stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the cylinder behind each flute. The left side of the casehardened frame has the three-line patent dates marking, and the left side of the trigger guard bow has the caliber designation "38 CAL.". Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the assembly number "550" is marked on the loading gate. It has the standard round blade front and frame groove rear sights, niter blued small parts, and checkered one-piece rosewood bird's head grip. Also included is a rare Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning revolver picture box (numbered to another gun). Designated for the desirable Sheriff's Model variation of the Colt's Model 1877 (3 1/2 inch barrel), these brown cloth cover, hinged lid boxes are rarely encountered. The exterior of the lid has the iconic illustrated picture label listing the 3 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber. Provenance: The R. Ogan Collection; The Richard C. Marohn, M.D. Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Extremely fine, retaining 90% bright original high polish blue finish with thinning to brown mostly on the cylinder. The acid etched barrel panel is excellent. The frame retains 90% plus vivid original case colors with some fading on the high points and a series of scratches along the entire left edge of the top strap. The grip is very fine with minor handling marks and scattered blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. The box is very good with most of the label remaining. Mechanically excellent. A high condition, documented acid etched panel Colt London Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning DA revolver with factory picture box that will bring added dimension to any Colt or antique firearms collection.