AMERICAN EXPRESS CO. COLT Model 1877 “Lightning” .38 Revolver C&R c1899 mfr 1899 FACTORY LETTERED AMEX

Product Description

AMERICAN EXPRESS CO. COLT Model 1877 “Lightning” .38 Revolver C&R c1899 mfr

1899 FACTORY LETTERED AMEX

Here we present a C&R Factory Lettered American Express Company Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver, made in 1899 in Hartford, Connecticut. This example has “Am. Exp. Co. No. 416” marked on back strap. The included factory letter confirms the configuration including the inscription, as well as shipment to the American Railway Express Co. in Chicago on May 11,1899, as part of a 12 gun shipment.

In 1850, American Express was founded when Henry Wells, William G. Fargo, and John Butterfield merged their companies to form American Express. Its core business was express delivery of packages, valuables, and other goods. By 1862, there were 890 offices, more than 1,500 employees, and a network of nearly 10,000 miles of railway and express routes from the East Coast to Minnesota and Missouri. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, they introduced new financial products and travel services that helped support customers’ everyday lives. In the 1950s, they introduced a charge card, offering customers a new and convenient way to pay. American Express is now a globally integrated payments company still in business today.

The Model 1877 was Colt’s first venture into double action revolvers. It was quite successful, selling 166,849 from 1877 through 1909. Nonetheless, there was some hesitation to move away from the single action mechanism, which had proven itself. Famous adopters of the Lightning were William “Billy the Kid” Bonney and John Wesley Hardin, along with “Doc” Holliday. Doc’s weapon of choice early in his western career was an 1851 Colt Navy revolver. Later, Doc carried both a nickel-plated .41 caliber Colt Thunderer and the .38 caliber Colt Lightning.

The overall condition is very good. Refinished. The action is excellent in double action and, while it holds half-cock, does not hold the full-cock notch. Solid cylinder lockup. The bore is bright with strong rifling. The rampant Colt trademarked grips are solid. Numbers match on the grip frame, trigger guard, and frame.

Own the original! This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Barrel is 4-1/2 inches.

Caliber: .38 Long Colt

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

www.ancestryguns.com

$2800
#247274