This is an early version of the Colt 1877 Lightning revolver in 38 Colt with checkered rosewood grips and German silver front sight.  I believe these features are found only on approximately the first 25,000 Lightning revolvers.  It also sports a scarce 2 1/2" barrel aka "The Sherrif's Model" with the early style acid-etched panel on the left side that reads "COLT DA 38". Comes with a very old leather holster that was made expressly for this gun. Serial number is in the 23,000 range.  Made in 1880.  All matching. 

Overall condition is NRA Antique is somewhere between the lower end of Fine and/or the top end of Very Good+.  There metal has mostly worn to a light patina but there is still plenty of original blue on the triggerguard, top of the backstrap, and on the cylinder.  There are some strong traces of original case colors on the left side of the frame (10%) near the back, back of recoil shield, sighting groove on topstrap and under the loading gate.  The back of the hammer and several of the screws show considerable amounts of their original fire blue.  Barrel is mostly turned to a soft grey brown patina with traces of original blue and excellent markings.  The etched panel is clearly visible on the left side and the barrel address is also good and strong.  German silver front sight.  Grips are in great shape with strong checkering and no cracks or chips. The 1877 has a notoriously fragile action but surprisingly, the mechanics on this little revolver are still work in both single and double action modes.  Bore is Good overall with nice rifling with some scattered pits and light roughness.  All and all, this is a smart looking little Colt Model 1877 with its holster, short barrel w/etched panel, and stylish early features.

Item# 0819

SOLD