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LOT 1098
Documented Individual Shipped Factory Deluxe
Engraved Colt Model 1877 “Lightning” Double Action
Revolver with Pearl Grips Inscribed “W.G. Mathews” with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 18661, 38 Long Colt cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl.,
nickel finish, pearl grips. The 1989 dated factory letter lists this fabulous
revolver in .38 caliber with a 4 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, pearl grips, and
factory engraving and indicates it was the sole gun of this type shipped to
Steven Rogers on February 21, 1882. No address was available for Rogers. The
revolver’s back strap is inscribed “W.G. MATHEWS”. While researching the revolver,
Brig Pemberton found Insp. W.G. Mathews who was the Riding Master of Royal
Canadian Mounted Police in the 1880s and had formerly served in the 3rd Hussars.
Additional records indicate that Sergeant-Major William George Mathews/Matthews was
made the Riding Master of the 3rd Hussars on July 13, 1867, and served with the unit on the staff in
India. He is credited in “The Royal Canadian Mounted Police 1873-1987” by Ross and May with producing the first of the RCMP’s famous
Musical Rides in 1887. A RCMP badge/pin is included. The revolver features stunning factory scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds,
“COL D.A. 38” is inscribed in a scroll on the left side of the barrel, “Nimschke star” accents, beaded borders, and shell accents. The
engraving even extends to the back of the hammer. The scrollwork is particularly fine and includes interlacing designs and extends
seamlessly from the frame and on the trigger guard and back strap. The style is somewhat different than the typical factory engraving
but is similar to the engraving on Colt 1877 sn. 12521 which also featured a factory inscription.
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