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LOT 1144
Historic Law Enforcement Identified Presentation Cased Three Digit Number Etched Panel Colt Sheriff’s Model Lightning 1877 Double Action Revolver with Carved Pearl Grips - Serial no. 106, 38 Long Colt cal., 3 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1877, the first year of production, as an ejectorless “Sheriff’s Model” variation with a desirable 3 1/2 inch barrel and two-piece pearl grips decorated with light carved border pattern at the top. The barrel has the sought after acid etched “COLT D.A. 38” panel on the left side. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. “38 CAL” is marked on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching three digit serial number “106” appears on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The Model 1877 was designed by William Mason who was one of the inventors of Colts legendary Single Action Army revolver, and the model was Colt’s first mass produced double action revolver. Whether on the hip of a lawman, carried by an outlaw or under the counter of a storekeeper’s shop, these concealable pocket pistol Sheriff’s Models were at the front lines. This example is in well above average condition of an early first year production and is housed in a presentation inscribed partitioned case. The case contains “L” shaped cleaning rod/screwdriver, case key, two cleaning rod attachments (do not fit aforementioned included cleaning rod), case key, and full count of a 50 box of Winchester Repeating Arms Co. .38 LC cartridges featuring
a green label with the illustration of a Sheriff’s Model 1877. The inlaid presentation brass plaque on the exterior of the lid reads, “E.W. Freeman/ Presented by his friends/Tuesday Feb 27, 1877.” In 1877, Freeman was a police officer for the City of Boston, and the date February 27, 1877 was a very noteworthy day in Freeman’s life. On the evening of February 27th of that year “Freeman shot and mortally wounded Edward Rice” during an attempted arrest. As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, “[Freeman] was endeavoring to arrest a noted thief and garroter named Donovan, when he was set upon by the occupants of the room, eight in number, and finally compelled to use his revolver.”The incident was investigated and a trial was conducted. A jury found “Freeman was fully justified in resorting to the extreme measures he felt compelled to adopt.” In 1885, Freeman retired from the police force and died in 1899 at the age of 64. Consignor research is included.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 95% original nickel plating with flaking mostly on the grip straps. Nearly all of clear acid etched panel remains. The small parts retain 95% plus original nitre blue. The grips are exceptionally fine with period added border etching, a tiny surface chip towards the top (right panel), otherwise highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with minor handing/storage marks and some typical high spot wear on the lining. A Colt Model 1877 Lightning revolver presented to a Boston police officer with quite a story to tell! An early production historic great addition to a law enforcement collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 15,000
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