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manufactured between 1884 and 1904. The vast majority of those would have been full blue and have featured the standard stock and pump handle and full magazines. The factory letter confirms this rifle’s original configuration is recorded as .44 CLMR (.44-40, possibly
a factory error as it is clearly a 38-40 and shows no signs of removal.), 26 inch octagon barrel, blue finish (Colt lists blue and casehardened guns as blued in the records), wood pistol grip stock, and 1/2 magazine. They also confirm it was one of two
rifles in this configuration in an order shipped on September 30, 1886 to A.G. Spalding & Bros. The address is not
listed, but the dealer’s locations are noted as Chicago, Denver, and New York City. The company is one of the oldest
American sporting goods dealers and was started by early major league baseball player Albert Goodwill Spalding
(1849-1915) of Byron, Illinois, and became famous for their contributions to American sports. The rifle has a German
silver “Rocky Mountain” blade front sight, the two-line address and patent marking on top ahead of the adjustable sporting rear sight, “.38 Cal.” on top at the breech, the Rampant Colt trade mark on the left side of the casehardened frame, multi-point checkering on the slide handle and pistol grip stock, a blank German silver oval escutcheon on the bottom of the buttstock, and a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine with 80% plus of the aged original blue finish on the barrel, fading to gray at the muzzle, minor pitting, 40% of original case colors in the protected areas of the frame and dark patina on the balance, strong original case colors on the hammer, bright original niter blue on the safety, and mottled brown patina on the buttplate. The period refinished buttstock is also very fine and has mostly crisp checkering with some scrapes and dings, attractive figure, and mild marks and scratches. The slide handle is very fine and has crisp checkering and minor edge wear. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceedingly scarce Colt Lightning rifle. We do not get the opportunity to auction deluxe Lightnings with casehardened frames very often. Do not miss your opportunity to get your hands on this rare Colt!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 230
Very Scarce Documented Special Order Casehardened Deluxe Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 20014, 38-40 cal., 26 inch
octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, deluxe checkered walnut stock. A little under
90,000 of the medium frame variation of the Colt Lightning rifles were
206
LOT 231
Documented Factory Game Panel Scene Engraved Colt 10 Gauge Model
1883 Grade 2 Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory Letter - Serial no. 1045, 10
gauge, 32 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued Damascus steel barrels
with a single bead sight on the smooth solid rib which bears the Colt address, dual lines of engraving at
either breech, choke constrictions of .020/.021 inches, and chambers measured 2 7/8 inches with single extractor.
The casehardened boxlock action displays a pointer preparing to flush a pair quail on the left, a setter about to flush a pair
of quail on the right, and stylized “PATENTED” marking on the underside all surrounded by beautifully cut scrollwork. The gun
features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety switch. Highly figured, multi-point checkered
splinter forend with engraved fittings and round knob pistol grip stock with checkered teardrop flats, blank silver inscription oval, and factory horn buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration of 10 gauge, 32 inch barrels, blue finish, wood stock, weight of 8 lbs. 4 oz., and factory engraving valued at $10.00 when it was shipped to E. K. Tryon, Jr. and Company of Philadelphia, PA, on April 17, 1899. Though the letter states the shipping date as 1899, the factory serial number dates this gun to 1885. Stock measurements: 2 1/2 inch drop at comb; 3 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Fine, showing a mix of grey and silver patinas on the barrels which show 70% faded original patterns, traces of
case colors in the protected areas on the action, and browned finish on the trigger guard. The wood is very fine with numerous small dings and scratches, a small chip at the buttplate toe, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500