Manufactured in 1877, the first year of production, this is an outstanding example of a Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning revolver. The Colt Model 1877 revolvers were Colt's first double action revolvers and were designed by William Mason who also helped design the legendary Single Action Army. Despite being slightly more complex and thus less durable than their Single Action Army cousins, these revolvers were popular on the western frontier and in eastern cities for their rapid firepower. A revolver in this configuration at the time would have been very popular for a wealthy New Yorker to tuck away in a coat pocket for protection from muggings in the rapidly growing urban environments of the late 19th century. The included factory letter lists the caliber as well as shipment to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham in New York on 6 July 1877. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address, while the caliber marking is on the left in the desirable acid etched panel. The left side of the frame is marked with the three-line patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. It features the rare and desirable, Sheriff's Model length 3 1/2 inch barrel and is not fitted with an ejector. It is fitted with blade front and frame top groove rear sights, as well as a pair of beautifully checkered walnut grips