This is an excellent example of a rare variation of the Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle manufactured for the San Francisco Police Department. Only 401 of these medium frame Lightning rifles were sold to the Police Department in 1898. A rifle with a close serial number to this example is documented as shipped on June 24, 1898. These rifles are in their own serial number range and are marked S.F.P. 1 through 401 on the lower tang. All have a 26 inch round barrels chambered for .44-40 cartridges, blade front and adjustable sporting style rear sights, oil-finished walnut stocks, and uncheckered forearms with light border carving. The barrel, receiver and buttplate have the Colt high-polish commercial blue finish, the screws and loading gate are niter blued, and the hammer is casehardened. The Rampant Colt is prominently marked on the left side of the receiver. "44 Cal." is marked on the top of the barrel at the breech, and "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO. HARTFORD CT.U.S.A./PATENTED MAY 29. SEPT 18, 83 MAY 26, 85. JUNE 15, 86. FEB 22, 87" is marked ahead of the rear sight.

Excellent. The rifle retains 95% plus bright original blue finish, 90% plus of the bright original niter blue and vivid case colors. Some muzzle and edge wear is visible with, minor thinning from handling, and scattered minor scratches. The wood is very fine with some minor dents, dings and scratches concentrated primarily on the forearm. Mechanically excellent. The Colt Lightning rifles are very desirable firearms and the San Francisco Police rifles are among the finest and most desirable variations.