^Lot 1042 Colt Model 1877 ''Lightning'' Pocket Revolver

Antique Colt Model 1877 ''Lightning'' Double Action Pocket Revolver, #45794, .38 CF cal., 3.5'' ejectorless barrel, with blade front (and long frame-groove rear) sights marked with the Colt name and address on top, and etched ''Colt D.A. 38'' on left side; 6-shot long-fluted round cylinder; loading gate is batch-marked ''238''; solid frame is marked with the 1871-74-75 patent dates in three lines; triggerguard is marked ''38 Cal'' on left-rear web; thumb-grip backstrap with distinctive ''bird's head'' grip profile; checkered two-piece black hard rubber grips with the ''Rampant Colt'' logo in an oval relief panel at top. Mfg'd 1883, originally in full nickel-plating. Condition is very good. Barrel, cylinder, frame and gripstraps show 75% smooth nickel plate and occasional light discoloration with areas of missing finish (frame sides, inside gripstrap) difficult to detect as colors match; edges are sharp; markings are clear. Grips show worn checkering and logo but no damage and fit well. Hammer (having polished sides) and trigger show much original fire-blue. Action works well in both double- and single-action modes; lock-up is tight; bore is clean with shallow rifling. These ejectorless ''Sheriff's Model'' Lightnings have great eye appeal; Western badmen Billy the Kid and John Wesley Hardin carried them. Est.: $400-$650. (Antique)