Colt London 1877 Lightening

Mfg in Hartford in 1878

This is a RARE Colt London 1877 Lightening, recently discovered in Prescott, Arizona. It’s one of approximately 1500 specimens that were made in Hartford and shipped to Colt’s Patent Firearms Company’s London, England Agency.

Colt London 1877 Lightening - Full Left Side

Colt London 1877 Lightening - Etched Panel

Special Order Lightening

This was a late SPECIAL ORDER of 20 guns, with the factory letter (included) noting, “Special Features: Furnished with an Ejector”. Most all of the London shipped Lightening’s were “sheriff” style models with no ejectors, making this shipment of 20 revolvers with ejectors rather rare.

The factory letter also confirms, caliber: 38/c, barrel length: 4 ½”, finish: nickel, stocks: rubber, and shipped on March 22, 1880. This 20-gun order may have been made from existing inventory with the barrel address changed to the London address, “DEPOT 14. PALL MALL LONDON” as its very lightly stamped and nearly filled with the nickel plating. The revolver also shows the standard English proof marks on the underside of the barrel and on each chamber of the cylinder.

Colt London 1877 Lightening - Faded Left Grip

Colt London 1877 Lightening - Barrel Address

Colt London 1877 Lightening - Niter Blue

Revolver Condition

The gun is in excellent overall condition, showing carry and handling, but little use and firing. The bore and cylinders are excellent, appearing un-fired. Mechanics are the same, fully functional in both double and single action. The original nickel shows about 98% remaining, just handling scrapes and scratches. The caliber etched panel is fully intact and visible. The niter blue on the back of the hammer and trigger is excellent, more muted on the screws. Serial #9393 is in all the correct locations, sharp and clear. As well as inside both grips. The grips are excellent. Although, the left side showing fading from being carried in the left-hand holster. This is a fantastic survivor being almost 150 years old.

Amazing, this revolver found its way back to America, especially in this high condition.

Below is a Typical Pall Mall Barrel Address.

Colt London 1877 Lightening - Pall Mall Address

Clarks Antiques Firearms – Colt London 1877 Lightening – Price $3,500.00

Item #1883

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