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Colt Lightning magazine-fed slide-action rifle with Express or Large frame, .45-60-300 caliber, 28”

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Colt Lightning magazine-fed slide-action rifle with Express or Large frame, .45-60-300 caliber, 28”
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Colt Lightning magazine-fed slide-action rifle with Express or Large frame, .45-60-300 caliber, 28” octagon barrel, full magazine, rifle butt, serial #697. The rifle remains in original good to very good condition showing approx. 75-85% original blue on barrel, evenly thinning and toning with just some light to moderate erosion and pinprick pitting in a few minor areas. The magazine tube shows approx. 50-60% original blue going slightly plum with a few small dents and just normal aging and slight scratches. The frame shows 30-50% original blue drifting on the high points and edges, some scratches, just starting areas of erosion and pinprick pitting. The left side of the frame shows a well-defined stamp of rampant Colt. The stocks are very good with sharp checkering on the forend, some minor storage type marks, and at least 50% varnish that is evenly thinning with excellent wood to metal fit. The action is tight, the bore is very good. This Colt belonged to famous Western movie star Fred Thomson. Mr. Thomson died in 1928 at the height of his fame and fortune and was so popular in 1925 he won a popularity poll garnering more votes that Lillian Gish. He served in the 143rd regiment during World War I where he served as a chaplain. He made his screen debut in The Love Light starring Mary Pickford and in 1921 he starred in Just Around the Corner. He then began his Western movie career and in a ten-year period he appeared in nearly thirty films. This rifle was obtained by famous early Colt collector Chet Bonoff from Fred Thomson’s decedents and has been displayed in several top Colt collections. With pictures, ephemera, and other research materials. Est: $8,000 - $12,000