3260

Cased Pair of Retailer Marked London Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolvers with Factory

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:9,500.00 - 16,000.00 USD
Cased Pair of Retailer Marked London Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolvers with Factory
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A) London Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Retailer Inscription and Factory Letter. This is an example of a rare London addressed Model 1877 Lightning revolver that was manufactured in 1878. The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A / DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON", the left side is marked with "COLT D. A. 38" in an etched panel and the bottom of the barrel is marked with a "crown / V" and "crown / GP" proofmarks. The left side of the frame is marked with the three line, three patent dates and "38 CAL" on the upper left rear of the trigger guard. The back strap has been inscribed "E.M. REILLY & CO 502. NEW OXFORD ST LONDON.". Matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard and butt. Bulls eye ejector rod head, nickel finish with fire blue trigger, screw heads. Cylinder pin and release, and hammer top. Fitted with checkered hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt in an oval at the top. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, caliber, 4 1/2" barrel, nickel finish, rubber grips, that it is "furnished with an ejector" and that it was shipped as 1 of 50 to Colt's Patent fire Arms Mfg. Co., London Agency, London, England on November 4, 1880. Complete in an oak case with blue fabric lining, "Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co / 26 Glasshouse Street. / Piccadilly Circus, London, W." label affixed to the inside of the lid, oiler and 12 round cartridge block with 12 .38 caliber cartridges.
BBL: 4 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 38
Finish: nickel
Grips: hard rubber
Serial Number: 9173
Condition: Excellent. The revolver retains 85% plus original nickel finish with scattered flaking on the barrel, cylinder, frame and front strap. The sides of the hammer show some minor oxidation. Most of the bright fire blue finish remains on the trigger, hammer, screw heads, cylinder pin and release button with loss on the trigger and hammer due to flaking. The grips are also excellent with light handling marks and crisp checkering. Markings and etched panel are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches on the exterior and some minor contact wear and soiling on the lining.

B) Described in "A". The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, caliber, 4 1/2" barrel length, nickel finish, rubber grips, "Furnished with an ejector" and that it was shipped as 1 of 20 to Colt's Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co., London Agency, London, England on March 22, 1880.
BBL: 4 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 38
Finish: nickel
Grips: hard rubber
Serial Number: 9838
Condition: Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus original nickel finish with some wear and flaking on the barrel, (mostly on the muzzle end), some minor flaking on the cylinder, top strap and frame ahead of the cylinder, and pin point blistering on the left side of the frame. Almost all of the original bright fire blue finish remains on the hammer and trigger. The grips are also excellent with a few minor dings and bruises, and crisp checkering. All markings and etched panel are clear. Mechanically excellent.