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75
LOT 3078
Outstanding First
Year Production
Colt Etched Panel
Sheriff’s Model 1877
Lightning Ejectorless
Double Action Revolver
with Desirable 3 1/2 Inch Barrel with Factory Letter - Serial no. 1343, 38
Long Colt cal., 3 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, rosewood grips.
Manufactured in 1877, the first year of production, this is an outstanding example of
a Colt Sheriff’s Model 1877 Lightning revolver. The Colt Model 1877 revolvers were Colt’s
first double action revolvers and were designed by William Mason who also helped design the legendary Single Action Army.
Despite being slightly more complex and thus less durable than their Single Action Army cousins, these revolvers were popular
on the western frontier and in eastern cities for their rapid firepower. A revolver in this configuration at the time would have
been very popular for a wealthy New Yorker to tuck away in a coat pocket for protection from muggings in the rapidly growing
urban environments of the late 19th century. The included factory letter lists the caliber as well as shipment to Schuyler, Hartley
& Graham in New York on 6 July 1877. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address, while the caliber
marking is on the left in the desirable acid etched panel. The left side of the frame is marked with the three-line patent dates
followed by the circled Rampant Colt. It features the rare and desirable, Sheriff’s Model length 3 1/2 inch barrel and is not fitted with an ejector. It
is fitted with blade front and frame top groove rear sights, as well as a pair of beautifully checkered walnut grips
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 90% plus of the bright, original high polish blue finish and 95% of the vibrant original
case colors with some scattered patches of light flaking and handling wear showing a brown or grey patina. The
acid etched panel is exceptionally crisp. The grip is also excellent with some scattered light handling marks and
crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An outstanding example of a first year production Colt Sheriff’s Model
1877 Lightning revolver!
Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000
LOT 3079
Excellent Colt Etched
Panel Sheriff’s Model
1877 Thunderer Double
Action Revolver with Picture
Box - Serial no. 27088, 41 Long
Colt cal., 3 1/2 inch round bbl.,
nickel finish, hard rubber grips.
This is an excellent example of an
antique nickel plated Colt Sheriff’s
Model 1878 revolver that was
manufactured in 1880. 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 of the American frontier. This example is in well above average
condition for an early production gun. The barrel has the desirable “COLT DA
41” acid etched panel on the left side. The two-line Hartford address is marked on top of the barrel.
“41 CAL” is marked on the left side of the trigger guard. The left side of the frame has the three-line
patent dates marking. Matching serial numbers on the frame, cylinder, trigger guard, back strap, and
right grip panel. Included is an original Colt Sheriff’s Model 1877 Lightning revolver picture box with the .38 caliber designation crossed out and “41” added in ink. Designated for the desirable Sheriff’s
Model variation of the Colt’s Model 1877 (3 1/2 inch barrel), these cloth cover, hinged lid boxes are rarely encountered. The exterior of the lid has the iconic illustrated
picture label listing the 3 1/2 inch barrel.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% plus untouched original nickel finish, 97% plus of the original nitre blue finish on the hammer and trigger, and clear acid etched
panel. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The replacement box is very good with glued repaired seams, a couple separated lid
corners, and much of the label remaining. An outstanding example of an acid etched panel Colt Sheriff’s Model 1877 Thunderer Revolver
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500