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Collector’s Fact
According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson, approximately 200 Colt Model 1877 revolvers were produced in .32 Colt.
LOT 1218
Scarce Documented Antique Colt Sheriff’s Model 1877 “Rainmaker” .32 Colt Double
Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 96485, 32 Colt cal.,
3 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1893, this is one of approximately 200 of Colt’s Model 1877 revolver
that were chambered in .32 Long Colt and nicknamed the “Rainmaker”. Making this specific example even more rare, is the fact that it is in
Sheriff’s Model configuration, having a 3 1/2 inch barrel and no ejector.
The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address while the left is marked “COLT. D.A. 32”. The left of the frame has the three-
line patent date marking and the circled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are visible on the frame, trigger guard, and back
strap, with partial matching number “485” on the rear face of the cylinder. The assembly number “436” is marked inside the loading
gate. It is fitted with a blade front sight, groove rear sight, and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts in ovals at the
tops. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to The Wilmot & Hobbs Mfg.
Co. in Bridgeport, Connecticut on 5 October 1893.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the untouched original nickel finish with a couple scattered patches of minor flaking and a few scattered smaller flecks of flaking. 75% plus of the original niter blue remains on the small parts. The grips are also excellent, the left panel having faded to an attractive chocolate brown, a few scattered light handling marks, and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 1219
Documented Etched Panel Colt Model
1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action
“Sheriffs Model” Revolver with Desirable
4 Inch Ejectorless Barrel and Factory
Letter - Serial no. 8561, 44-40 WCF cal., 4 inch
round bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. The
accompanying factory letter confirms the highly
desirable 4 inch barrel in .44 caliber and nickel plating as well as shipped on April 25, 1882 and
delivered to Hartley & Graham of New York City. This was a shipment for 10 guns of the same type. According to research presented by Don Wilkerson in his book “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878,” Colt manufactured only 289 of these revolvers with the desirable 4 inch ejectorless barrel in .44- 40 WCF caliber and plated in nickel (page 266). Whether on the hip of a lawman or under the counter of a storekeeper’s shop, these Sheriff’s model Colt DAs were at the forefront of taming the wilds in growing cities or the western frontier, as well as all manner of ruffians and outlaws. Today these Sheriff’s Model 1878s hold a special place in the hearts of collectors, and offered here is a fine example. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and the desirable “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on the left side. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped “44 CF.” The cylinder is numbered to the gun. The matching assembly number “60” appears on the grip frame and loading gate.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% plus original nickel finish with a mottled gray patina associated with a period working gun on the balance. The etched panel is lightly legible. The grips are good; moderately worn from spending years in use. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
Collector’s Fact
According to "Colt's Double- Action Revolver, Model of 1878" by Wilkerson, only 289 Colt Model 1878 revolvers were produced with a 4 inch ejectorless barrel, chambered in .44-40 and nickel plated.
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