Manufactured in 1878 this early production Model 1877 features a factory documented 4 1/2 inch barrel and engraving. It was standard factory practice for a 4 1/2 inch barrel to feature an ejector, making the 4 1/2 inch ejectorless barrel a scarce special order feature. The engraving is of an unusual style for a Model 1877. Following the Gustave Young style scroll pattern, the embellishment incorporates a wolf head on the left side of the frame and on the sides of the hammer. Although Young had left Colt in 1869, he still made himself available to Colt until his death in 1895 and his style of engraving continued to influence up and coming engravers including Cuno Helfricht, who started working at Colt at age 20 in 1871. Additional engraved motifs include entwining lines and zig-zag lines throughout. 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 made even more desirable by the ejectorless barrel and style of engraving. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to famed Cincinnati, Ohio, retailer B. Kittredge & Co. on April 26, 1878 and confirms the 4 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber, nickel finish, hard rubber grips, and factory engraving. This was a two gun shipment. 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. The left side of the trigger guard has the caliber designation "38 CAL." Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Fine. The frame, hammer, and barrel retain 90% original nickel finish. The cylinder retains traces of original nickel finish in the flutes. The acid etched panel is clear. The engraving is crisp. The moderately worn grips are very good with softened checkering. The action functions but the trigger has to be manually reset. A 4 1/2 inch ejectorless factory engraved Colt Model 1877 Lightning revolver with great appeal.