Page 99 - 4090-BOOK2

The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG.CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A./ELLIOT’S PATENTS MAY 29. 1883. SEPT. 18. 1883.” in two lines ahead of the rear sight. “32 Cal.” is boldly stamped on the left side of the barrel just ahead of the frame. The Rampant Colt trademark usually roll-stamped on the left side of the frame is located on the right side. The serial number is stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger. A Lightning side action carbine chambered for the .32 CLMR cartridge and with deluxe, checkered stock and forearm is very rare. The combination of these rare features with a factory inscription make this Lightning carbine unique.
CONDITION: Excellent. The carbine is all original and retains 95% of the original high polish blue, niter blue, and casehardened finishes. Nearly all of the blue finish is present on the barrel and magazine. The barrel band has some minor high point wear. Finish wear on the frame is limited to high points and the usual scuff marks on the left side from contact with the saddle ring. The only finish loss on the lower tang is near the serial number. The bolt retains 90% of the blue finish. The buttplate has 85% of the blue finish with the normal wear on the toe and heel. The
fire blue finish on the loading gate is faded but remains 70%. The inscription on the left side of the frame and the Rampant Colt on the right side are both crisp. The barrel markings are sharp. The deluxe, highly figured stock and forearm are also excellent with very sharp checkering and retain 95% of the high polish piano finish. Wear is limited to a few scattered and fairly minor handling marks on the stock. Mechanically excellent. This is both an extremely rare and extraordinary example of a deluxe, factory inscribed Colt Lighting slide action Baby carbine chambered in .32 CLMR made all the more desirable by its connection to an important couple of western adventurers.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
97