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LOT 87
Outstanding Colt Large Frame “Express” Lightning Slide
Action Rifle in .38-56-255 Caliber - Serial no. 1159, 38-56-255 cal.,
28 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1888, this is an outstanding
example of Colt’s “express” large frame lightning rifle. These “Express Model” rifles were the
rarest of the series, and only 6,496 were manufactured in 1887-1894 compared to nearly
90,000 each of the Small and Medium frame versions. These rifles hit the market around
the same time as Winchester’s venerable Model 1886 and though they never saw the same
popularity as their lever action competitor, they were every bit as capable of dispatching
large game or stopping dangerous foes anywhere in the American west. Much like the
lever actions these Colts competed with, these Lightning rifles were often viewed and used
as workings guns and are rarely found in high condition like this example. The top barrel
flat is marked with the two-line Colt address and patent dates, while the caliber marking is
offset on the upper left flat. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the Rampant Colt
trademark and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver blade
front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. It is
mounted with a multi-point checkered slide handle and straight grip
stock with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the bright, original, high
polish blue finish, 85% of the original case colors on the hammer, some
scattered minor scratches and patches of light freckling on the receiver,
and some light edge wear. The wood is also excellent with some scattered
minor handling marks and otherwise crisp checkering on the slide handle.
Mechanically excellent. A Colt large frame Lightning rifle which would be very
difficult to improve upon!
Estimate: 18,000 - 25,000