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LOT 119
Documented Factory Engraved Antique Colt Sheriff’s Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 92108, 38 Long Colt cal., 3 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter states that this highly desirable Sheriff’s Model 1877 Lightning revolver was shipped to Bandle Arms Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 4, 1893 and confirms the 3 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber and factory engraving with the type of stocks not listed. This was a two gun shipment. This revolver is new to collecting circles and this is the first time offered for sale since its discovery in 2022 less than 30 miles from where it was shipped. Colt Archives had no record of this gun every being researched for a letter. This is certainly a rare work of steel canvas art. According to Colt historian R.L. Wilson, “factory records indicate approximately 250 Lightnings in .38 caliber [were engraved]” and “their usual finish
was nickel plating.”The engraving is consistent with the work of the famed Cuno
Helfricht Shop. The revolver is decorated with floral scroll engraving on punch dot background along with zig-zag line borders and flourishes. A fan pattern is engraved
on the recoil shield and back strap shoulders, and a star burst pattern is engraved on
the loading gate. Scrollwork and zig-zag line pattern alternate on the cylinder flats,
and a band of engraving is featured at the rear of the cylinder. The trigger guard is
adorned with entwining line and dot motif. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address
on top and “COLT DA 38” is stamped on the left side. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent date marking followed by a Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Includes four Bandle Arms Co. stock certificates. Established in 1865, Bandle Arms Co. specialized in target rifles until it closed in 1902.