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Rare Documented Factory Engraved Colt Model 1877 Double Action Storekeeper Revolver with Blue Finish

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Revolvers Start Price:4,250.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 13,000.00 USD
Rare Documented Factory Engraved Colt Model 1877 Double Action Storekeeper Revolver with Blue Finish
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Rare Documented Factory Engraved Colt Model 1877 Double Action Storekeeper Revolver with Blue Finish and Ivory Grips

Rare example of a Colt Model 1877 Lightning DA revolver with the combination of blue finish, factory engraving and ivory grips. The revolver is complete with a Colt factory letter that describes the features as: Caliber: .38C, Barrel Length: 31/2", Finish: Blue, Type of Stocks: Ivory and Factory Engraved: Yes. The letter sates that this revolver was shipped to B. Kittredge & Co., in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 28, 1879. The revolver is engraved with Germanic scrollwork on a punch dot background. The engraving coverage approximates what Colt later classified as "B" or "2" engraving. The engraving was probably executed by Colt's chief engraver Cuno A. Helfricht or his staff. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." in two lines with an engraved line border. The left side of the barrel is acid-etched "COLT D.A. 38" in an oblong panel surrounded by scrollwork. The Colt three-line/three-date patent markings are roll stamped on the left front of the frame. "38 Cal" is stamped on the left rear trigger guard bow. The assembly number "395" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. "P" is stamped on the underside of the barrel just ahead of the frame. The full serial number "19233" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and butt. The partial serial number "233" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. In "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS", author R.L Wilson states that approximately 250 .38 caliber Colt Lightning revolvers were factory engraved and that the nickel-plated finish was most frequently used on engraved revolvers. Experts estimate that fewer than 50 factory engraved Colt Lightning revolvers had a blue finish.

Manufacture: Colt
Model: 1877 Lightning
BBL: 3 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 38 long Colt
Finish: blue
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 19233

Fine. The revolver has an even, silver-gray patina with 25% of the original blue finish which is mostly present in protected areas. The engraving is crisp. The barrel legend and frame patent dates are sharp; the delicate, acid-etched marking on the left side of the barrel shows handling wear. The slightly undersize two-piece, bird's head, ivory grips are in very fine condition. The ivory has an attractive patina. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is a fine example of a fully documented, factory engraved, Colt Model 1877 DA Lightning Storekeeper revolver with ivory grips and rarely encountered blue finish.