{"product_id":"original-u-s-colt-m1877-38cal-lightning-revolver-with-6-barrel-made-in-1892-serial-88365","title":"Original U.S. Colt M1877 .38cal Lightning Revolver with 6\" Barrel made in 1892 - Serial 88365","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available The romance around Colt \"Cowboy\" Revolvers never ceases to amaze us. This is a lovely example of the Model 1877 \"Lightning\" Double Action .38 Caliber Revolver, which looks to have been completely reblued at some time during its service life. It is marked on the bottom of the grip, frame, and trigger guard with serial number \u003cstrong\u003e88365\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating it was made in 1892. It also is marked on the loading gate with assembly number \u003cstrong\u003e89\u003c\/strong\u003e., while the number on the back of the cylinder is unfortunately worn away. That makes this a very nice \"mostly matching\" example, and we do not believe that the cylinder was swapped out, just had the markings work away when it was refinished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example has a nice 6\" barrel, and we assume came blued and case hardened from the factory, after which it became worn, and was then completely refinished with a dark blued finish. It still has the correct Colt two line address marking on the top of the barrel, however it is definitely faint:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWear from use and refinishing has unfortunately completely worn away the patent markings on the left side of the frame, along with the Colt \"Prancing Pony in a Circle\" logo on the frame, introduced in 1891.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 marked \u003cstrong\u003eCOLT. D.A. 38\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side of the barrel, so it is definitely a \"Lightning.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe purchased this revolver as a \"LIGHTNING\" and it is in fine working order and condition. The exterior has lots of the reblued finish still present, showing some wear around the edges as often seen. Its bird's head hard rubber grips bear the Colt prancing horse logo on each side. Grips show show only light wear, with the checkering well retained, and we do not see any chips or cracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe revolver functions well, with relatively good indexing and a tight cylinder lockup. It works in both single and double action, however in double action it sometimes does not index correctly due to either over rotation or the cylinder lock not engaging. The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear and a few spots oxidation. The cylinder base pin pulls out easily when the lock button is pushed in, allowing the cylinder to be removed for cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fine refinished example of an Antique Cartridge Colt Revolver in .38 caliber in very nice condition and ready to display. An ANTIQUE made in 1892.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1892\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: .38 \"Long\" Colt\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length:  6 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 10 1\/2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction: Single\/Double Action\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: 6 Shot Revolver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43702801399877,"sku":"ONJR25SEAM17","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25SEAM17__02.jpg?v=1759178520","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-colt-m1877-38cal-lightning-revolver-with-6-barrel-made-in-1892-serial-88365","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}