The included Colt factory letter confirms the caliber, barrel length, nickel finish and factory engraving but indicates that the revolver had hard rubber grips when it left the factory on July 25, 1883. The revolver was shipped to Schoverling Daly & Gales of New York. In all likelihood, the grips found on this revolver was installed by Schoverling Daly & Gales in 1883. The factory engraving covers 75% of the metal surfaces and features scrollwork on a punch dot background, wavy lines, line and dot motifs, fan patterns and cross hatching. This engraving is featured on the barrel sides, frame, recoil shields, cylinder chambers and back strap. The left side of the barrel has the etched caliber panel. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address inside a double line and dot border. The left side of the trigger guard is marked "41 CAL." The matching serial number appears on the frame and grip straps. The back of both smooth bird head grip panels have the number "76." Included is a contemporary case. The period Colt engraver was Kuno Helfricht as confirmed by a second included Colt factory letter, and for similar documented examples of Colt factory engraved Thunderers/Lightnings see R.L. Wilson's "The Book of Colt Engraving," Chapter X.

Exceptionally fine. The revolver retains 80% plus frosted original nickel finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. The etched panel is weak but legible. Traces of original niter blue finish remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are fine with stress cracks radiating from the screw and some minor handling marks and having an aged, mellow yellow color. Mechanically excellent.