Colt Model 1877 Lightning .38 Nickel Double Action Revolver 1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $700
WOA#: WY231027LM004
Make: Colt
Model: 1877 Pocket (Lightning)
Serial Number: 62709
Year of Manufacture: 1888 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Action Type: Single Action/Double Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. / HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.”. The left of the barrel is marked “COLT. D.A. 38” but most of the marking is hidden behind heavy corrosion. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / “ “ 15, “ 74. / JAN. 19, “ 75.”. The underside of the frame at the grip frame, the front of the trigger guard just behind it and the front underside edge of the backstrap are marked “60489”.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is missing. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber on a bird’s head grip frame, with a Rampant Colt in an oval at the top of each panel. The grips have heavy handling wear. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. Both bottoms are broken. Overall, the grips rate in poor condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel, Fire-Blued Screws, Trigger & Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is heavy erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 15% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss at edges and scattered spots of surface oxidation through the finish. Some areas have a cloudy appearance, but most remain fairly shiny. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The markings are generally legible but some are hidden under some heavy corrosion. The screw heads range from sharp to heavily tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this revolver is in Poor condition, as Antique. The hammer is stuck in its locked back position.
Mechanics: Otherwise, the action does not function correctly. The hammer is stuck in its cocked position, locking up the rest of the mechanics. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. It will need to be fixed by a gunsmith or professional in order to become fully functional.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt M1877 was a double action revolver manufactured by Colt’s Patent Fire Arms from January 1877 to 1909 for a total of 166,849 revolvers. The Model 1877 was offered in three calibers, which lent them three unofficial names: the “Lightning”, the “Thunderer”, and the “Rainmaker”. The principal difference between the models was the cartridge in which they were chambered: the “Lightning” being chambered in .38 Long Colt; the “Thunderer” in .41 Long Colt. An earlier model in .32 Colt known as the “Rainmaker” was offered in 1877. The M1877 was designed by one of the inventors of the M1873 Colt Single Action Army, William Mason, as Colt’s first attempt at manufacturing a double-action revolver and was also the first successful US-made double-action cartridge revolver. Neither “Lightning” nor “Thunderer” were Colt designations, nor used by the factory in any reference materials. Both terms were coined by Benjamin Kittredge, one of Colt’s major distributors, who was also responsible for the term “Peacemaker” for the Single Action Army. Old West Outlaw John Wesley Hardin frequently used both “Lightning” and “Thunderer” versions of the Colt 1877 revolver. This Lightning, at more than 130 years old, definitely carries its history with it. The mechanics are all locked up and there is heavy corrosion throughout but is sure to make a great restoration project. This would be a neat addition to a Colt collection, especially one missing the “Lightning”. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
