Manufactured in 1896, this is a solid example of Colt's Model 1877 "Lightning" double action revolver which is factory marked to the American Express Co. Initially founded in New York in 1850 by Henry Wells, William G. Fargo, and John Warren Butterfield, American Express Co. quickly became a leader in freight forwarding, particularly on the East Coast. After a disagreement with Butterfield over expanding their freight network to California, Wells and Fargo would branch off to form another legendary freight company, Wells Fargo & Co. These Model 1877 revolvers were cutting edge technology in 1896 and would have been highly valued by freight companies looking to arm their employees, particularly in areas where train and stagecoach robberies were not uncommon. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address while the caliber marking is on the left. The three-line patent date marking and circled Rampant Colt are on the left side the of the frame. The back strap is marked "Am. Exp. Co. No. 349", and matching serial numbers are marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. It has standard features including a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Hartley & Graham on December 1, 1896, with a 4 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber, nickel finish, and hard rubber grips. This was a five gun shipment. Includes a leather holster marked "R.E.A./EXPRESS" for the Railway Express Agency.

Very good, retains strong traces of the original blue finish and case colors in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a grey patina with a few scattered patches of light surface pitting. The grips are good with heavy handling wear and a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with some mild wear and scuffs.