Product Description
Early COLT ETCHED PANEL Antique Model 1877 “Lightning” Revolver .38
Here we present an antique Etched Panel “Sheriff’s” Model Colt 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver, made in 1878 in Hartford, Connecticut. 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 so 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 a nickel-plated .41 caliber Colt Thunderer or the .38 caliber Colt Lightning.
The Model 1877 was offered in three calibers, which lent them three unofficial names: the “Lightning”, the “Thunderer”, and the “Rainmaker”. Neither “Lightning” nor “Thunderer” were Colt designations, nor used by the factory in any reference materials. Both terms were coined by Benjamin Kittredge, one of Colt’s major distributors. The principal difference between the models was the cartridge in which they were chambered. The “Lightning” being chambered in .38 Long Colt and the “Thunderer” in .41 Long Colt. Both models had a six-round ammunition capacity. An earlier model in .32 Colt known as the “Rainmaker” was offered in 1877.
The overall condition is near fine. Original finish/case colors. Robust, tight action in both double and single action. Bright bore, sharp rifling. The rosewood grips are in excellent shape with sharpe checkering. Numbers match!
Here is a must have Colt for the old west collection!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 3-1/2 inches.
Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$3145
#210649