Original Item: Only One Available The romance around Colt "Cowboy" Revolvers never ceases to amaze us. Here we have a very interesting example of the Model 1877 "Thunderer" Double Action .41 Caliber Revolver, the same model that was carried by "Billy the Kid", though it is from years after his era. It is marked on the bottom of the grip, frame, and trigger guard with serial number 81194, indicating it was made in 1891. The back of the cylinder is marked with shortened serial number 94, and also some assembly markings. It also is marked on the loading gate with assembly number 825. This is a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years.

The M1877 was offered from the factory in two basic finishes: nickel-plated or a case-hardened frame with a blue barrel and cylinder. The revolver was available in barrel lengths from 2.5" to 7.5" and was available with or without the ejector rod and housing. The shorter barreled versions without the ejector rod were marketed as "shopkeeper's specials".

This example was made with an ejector rod and a shorter length barrel, however at some point the ejector rod was removed and the barrel reduced to a length of 1 5/8", making this into a very nice "belly buster" type configuration. It originally came with a blued and case hardened finish from the factory, which is still present on the barrel but has worn to a dull gray patina on the frame and action, with some areas of past peppering. The barrel originally had the Colt two line address on the top, correct for a shorter barrel length, but shortening the barrel removed the front portion:-

[COLT'S P]T. F. A. MFG. Co.
[HARTFO]RD. CT. U. S. A.

The left side of the frame bears the Colt "Prancing Pony in Circle" Logo, introduced in 1891, and to the left of this are the patent dates, which are still fully legible:-

PAT. SEPT 19.1871.
''   ''   5.    '' 74.
''  JAN.19.   '' 75.

The M1877 revolvers were marketed under different names such as "LIGHTNING" to appeal to different groups of customers. Although all were of the same basic design, they were also referred to as "THUNDERERS", "RAINMAKERS", and SHERIFF'S MODELS" as well, depending on the caliber and configuration. None of these names were Colt designations, nor used by the factory in any reference materials of the time. All of these terms were coined by Benjamin Kittredge, one of Colt's major distributors. Kittredge was responsible for the terms "Peacemaker" for the Single Action Army, "Omnipotent" for the Colt M1878 double-action (often known as the "Frontier" model), and nicknames for the various chamberings of the New Line models. This example is roll stamped partial [COLT. D.] A. 41 on the left side of the barrel with a 41 stamped on the bottom, so it is definitely a "Thunderer." There are some other numbers stamped, but they look to have been added post manufacture.

We purchased this revolver as a "THUNDERER" and it is in very good working order and condition, showing a lovely patina overall. The original finish has been replaced by a gray worn patina, with some peppering in areas, except on the barrel, which still retains the original bluing, which is more durable than the case coloring. Its bird's head hard rubber grips bear the Colt prancing horse logo on each side, though it is faded, and there is still a good amount of the original checkering, showing honest use and wear.

The revolver functions well in both single and double action, with just a bit of slop in the mechanics. It can over-rotate a bit in some positions when in double action, which we did not notice in single action. The cylinder arbor pin pulled out correctly, allowing the cylinder to be removed, though for some reason the end of it being shaped into a point for some reason. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There are some areas of past oxidation and fouling, so this definitely looks to be a revolver saw a good amount of use.

The "Lightning" was the favored personal weapon of famous Manchester (UK) Victorian detective and then head of CID, Jerome Caminada. Old West outlaw John Wesley Hardin frequently used both "Lightning" and "Thunderer" versions of the Colt 1877 revolver. Likewise the 1877 "Thunderer" in .41 caliber was the preferred weapon of Billy the Kid and was his weapon of choice when he was killed by Pat Garrett in 1881.

A fine modified example of an early Cartridge Colt Revolver in .41 caliber in very nice condition and ready to display. A Pre-1899 ANTIQUE firearm made in 1891.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1891
Caliber: .41 "Long" Colt
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 1 5/8 inches
Overall Length: 6 5/8 inches
Action: Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.