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  • Auction Catalog #4094
  • Lot #3078
Lot #3077
Lot #3079

Lot 3078: Colt Etched Panel Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Revolver

Outstanding First Year Production Colt Etched Panel Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Ejectorless Double Action Revolver with Desirable 3 1/2 Inch Barrel with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 4, 2025

Lot 3078: Colt Etched Panel Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Revolver

Outstanding First Year Production Colt Etched Panel Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Ejectorless Double Action Revolver with Desirable 3 1/2 Inch Barrel with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 4, 2025

Estimated Price: $8,000 - $12,000
Price Realized:
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Outstanding First Year Production Colt Etched Panel Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Ejectorless Double Action Revolver with Desirable 3 1/2 Inch Barrel with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1877 Lightning
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 38 Long Colt
Barrel: 3 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip: rosewood
Stock:
Item Views: 523
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 75
Class: Antique
Bore Condition: The bore is slightly frosted with some light streaking/pitting and distinct rifling.
Description:

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

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retains 90% plus of the bright, original high polish blue finish and 95% of the vibrant original case colors with some scattered patches of light flaking and handling wear showing a brown or grey patina. The acid etched panel is exceptionally crisp. The grip is also excellent with some scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An outstanding example of a first year production Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning revolver!



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