The Colt Model 1877 revolvers were Colt's first double action revolvers and were designed by William Mason who also helped design the Single Action Army. Like the latter, these revolvers were popular in the Old West, and Colt also worked to market them in the United Kingdom where they competed with popular British designs like the Adams and Webley revolvers. This Colt Lightning was manufactured in 1879 for the U.K. market and has a half-moon style front sight, "COLT D.A. 38" in an etched panel on the left side of the barrel, "COLT PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A./DEPOT 14. PALL MALL LONDON." on top of the barrel, the three patent dates on the left side of the action, and "38 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching serial numbers are on the back of the cylinder (partial), frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The bottom of the barrel and cylinder behind each flute have London proof marks. It is fitted with a very attractive, dark hardwood, checkered grip. Includes an oak presentation case with a Colt London Agency label inside the lid.

Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish on the back strap and trigger guard, traces of the vibrant original case colors on the frame, and the balance mostly a mottled grey-brown patina and a patch of mild pitting on the loading gate. The cylinder is refinished with pitting visible under the artificially aged patina. The etched panel is faint but visible. The grip is very fine with some light edge wear and a few scattered light blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is also very good with some mild wear, staining, and residue from an old label on the lid.