Manufactured in 1878, this Colt Model 1877 DA revolver was a presentation gift by Samuel Colt’s Nephews, LeBaron and Samuel Colt. As confirmed by the back strap inscription, the revolver was presented by LeBaron and his brother Samuel to N.S. Burnham. The inscription reads, “N.S. Burnham/with Compliments of/L.B. & S.P. Colt” along with the date “Jan’y 1st 1879.” The two Colt brothers are known to have purchased Model 1877s for themselves and gifts to friends and associates. N.S. Burnham is believed to be a railroad employee. LeBaron Bradford Colt (1846-1924) received his law degree from Yale University and was a member of the Yale’s secret student society Skull and Bones. He had his own private practice in Chicago, Illinois, from 1871-1875 and in Bristol, Rhode Island from 1875-1879. From 1879 to 1881 he was a member of the State of Rhode Island House of Representatives. In 1881, President James Garfield nominated LeBaron to the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. He went one to serve on the U.S. Circuit Court for the First Circuit and Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. In 1913, he was elected as a Republican to the U.S. Senate. In the Senate he concentrated on conservation of natural resources and immigration. He voted against the Immigration Act of 1924, a federal law that prevented immigration from Asia and set quotas on the number of immigrants form Eastern and Southern Europe. He supported women's suffrage. He advocated the creation of the League of Nations following World War I, and scholars have argued that President Wilson refusing to work with the Republican Senator helped to cost him the League. LeBaron’s brother Samuel Pomeroy Colt (1852-1921) was a Rhode Island industrialist and politician. A graduate of Columbia Law School, Samuel, or “Pom” as his family called him, formed United States Rubber Company (later called Uniroyal), the largest rubber company in the United States. Like his brother, he was elected to the State of Rhode Island House of Representative where he was an advocate for child labor reforms and women’s property rights. In 1881, he was elected Attorney General of Rhode Island and served in that position until 1886. In 1903, he ran a failed campaign for governor of Rhode Island. He turned his political ambitions for the U.S. Senate in 1905 but lost. This seat was later won by his brother in 1913. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and the desirable “COLT D.A. 38” acid etched panel on the left side. The left side of the frame has the three line patents date, and the left side of the trigger guard has the caliber designation “38 CAL.” The period leather bound case features a “Colt’s D.A. 38” marked red ribbon on the inside of the lid, tool, and an empty cartridge block for 50 rounds (cartridges shown in photo not included). Included is a factory letter to another Colt Model 1877 no. 30349 gifted by the Colt nephews. Provenance: The Richard C. Marohn Collection; The Douglas R. Carlson Collection; The Charles Marx Collection

Very fine, retaining 85% original nickel finish with flaking exposing gray patina and some pitting. The presentation inscription and acid etched panel are clear and legible. The grips are excellent with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with heavy high spot wear on the lining. This presentation Colt Model 1877 revolver is noteworthy as is stands as a reminder of the power and influence of the Samuel Colt family.