Original Item: Only One Available The romance around Colt "Cowboy" Revolvers never ceases to amaze us. This is a fine nickel-plated example of the Model 1877 "Lightning" Double Action .38 Caliber Revolver. It is marked on the bottom of the grip, frame, and trigger guard with serial number 97197, indicating it was made in 1895. The back of the cylinder is marked with shortened serial number 197, and also some assembly markings. It also is marked on the loading gate with assembly number 14. 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 has a nice 3 ½" barrel, and looks to have been nickel plated from the factory, as the markings are still crisp, and we can see no signs of oxidation under the plating, which is still very well retained. It is marked on the top of the barrel with the Colt address:-

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 marked COLT. D.A. 38 on the left side of the barrel, so it is definitely a "Lightning." There is also 38 stamped onto the bottom of the barrel right by the cylinder arbor pin.

We purchased this revolver as a "LIGHTNING" and it is in fine working order and condition. The original finish is very well retained, with flaking near the front of the cylinder, which is the part of the gun most exposed to the propellant gasses. There is some wear through on the left flash guard and lower right frame, however it still presents quite nicely. Its bird's head gutta-percha hard rubber grips bear the Colt prancing horse logo on each side. Grips show some wear to the checkering and light scratches, but there are no cracks or chips.

The revolver functions correctly, with good indexing and a tight cylinder lockup. It works in both single and double action, and we did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see, though it can require a strong trigger pull at times. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is definitely some wear, and we can see some evidence past oxidation and fouling that has been cleaned away, however it is definitely well above average.

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 great example of an early Cartridge Colt Revolver in .38 caliber in very nice condition and ready to display, A Pre-1899 ANTIQUE, made in 1895.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber: .38 "Long" Colt
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 ½ inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single/Double 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.