Item:
ONJR22RAJ026

Original U.S. Colt M-1877 .41cal Thunderer 2 1/2 Inch Barrel Revolver made in 1883 - Serial 46759

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available The romance around Colt "Cowboy" Revolvers never ceases to amaze us. This is very nice "frontier worn" example of the Model 1877 "Thunderer" Double Action .41 Caliber Revolver. This is 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 46759, indicating it was made in 1883. It also has assembly number 158 stamped on the loading gate, and really has a great "broken in" look.

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 has the shortest length 2 1/2" barrel, and came nickel plated from the factory, most of which has flaked and worn away over the years. It is now mostly a light gray steel patina, with a bit of peppering in areas. It is a "Shopkeeper's Special" with no ejector rod installed, and is still clearly marked on the top of the barrel with the Colt address:

COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co.
HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.

It also still has all of the original patent markings on the left side of the frame under the cylinder:

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

This is a relatively early production example, made before the "Prancing Pony" stamp was added to the side of the frame.

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 41 CAL. on the left side of the trigger guard so it is definitely a "Thunderer."

We purchased this revolver as a "THUNDERER" and it is in very good working order, with a great patina of age. The metalwork has a lightly oxidized steel finish, with areas of the original nickel-plated finish present on the left side of the frame and grip. Its bird's head gutta-percha grips bear the Colt "Prancing Pony" logo on each side, and show overall wear, especially on the checkering. In great unmessed with condition, without any parts replaced or swapped out that we can see.

The revolver functions very well in both single and double action, though there is a little slop in the mechanics. It indexes great, the cylinder lockup is strong, and it has a crisp dry fire. The cylinder arbor pin pulls out correctly, allowing the cylinder to be removed. We checked the bore, and it is in good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a gray oxidized finish.

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 very nice short barrel example of an early Cartridge Colt Revolver in .41 caliber in very nice "frontier worn" condition. An ANTIQUE "cowboy" revolver made in 1883, Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1883
Caliber: .41 "Long" Colt
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches

Overall Length: 7 inches
Action: Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

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