The accompanying factory letter states that this highly sought after Model 1877 Lightning revolver was shipped to Roberts, Hardwick & Taylor of Sherman, Texas on August 30, 1886 and confirms the 4 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber, nickel plating, pearl stocks, and factory engraving. This was a single gun shipment. Per noted Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson, Colt engraved approximately 250 Model 1877s chambered in .38 LC. This is certainly a rare work of steel canvas art. It is not hard to imagine this revolver carried at the hip of a wealthy Texan. The engraving is consistent with the work of the famed Cuno Helfricht shop. The revolver is decorated with floral scroll engraving on punch dot background along with zig-zag line borders and flourishes. A fan pattern is engraved on the recoil shield, loading gate, and back strap shoulders. An entwining line and dot motif is engraved on the underside of the ejector rod housing. The barrel carries the desirable acid etched caliber designation "COLT D.A. 38" on the left side and is stamped with the standard two-line Colt Hartford address on top. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent date marking. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder ("933"). Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% original nickel finish with gray patina on the back strap. The acid etched panel is faint. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with attractive fiery colors. Mechanically fine. A Texas shipped, antique factory engraved Colt Model 1877 DA revolver that will bring added dimension to any frontier or firearms art collection.