EARLY 1900’S PRODUCTION 38 COLT MODEL 1877 DA “LIGHTNING” 4-1/2” BARREL, “TOBACCO GUN” FACTORY LETTER, SOLD TO LIGGETT & MYERS
Description:
******SOLD******
Description:
This is one of the “Tobacco Guns” that are popular among collectors. From 1900 to 1906 some tobacco companies were offering Colt M1877 "Lightnings" as a prize for turning in 1500 tobacco tags.
Alan Garbers wrote an article on these “Tobacco Guns”, and I had a small role in providing needed technical content. This article recently appeared in Guns Magazine.
The Colt factory letter notes 38/c, 4-1/2", Blue, Stocks Not Listed, Sold to Liggett & Myers, St. Louis, MO, and Shipped to Continental Tobacco Company, NYC, 50 Guns, July 31, 1902. The “Stocks Not Listed” entry simply means that the grips were of the standard type for the time (Hard Rubber).
The clearly-stamped serial number 134172 appears on the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. There is no number on the rear of cylinder, as is often seen in this serial range. The front of the cylinder is stamped “E” by the factory inspector. By this time in production the serial numbers were no longer applied to the barrels. The gate is numbered 513 and matches on the underside of frame. The hammer slot of the frame is stamped with the factory inspector “40”.
The top of the steel front sight on this revolver was lowered slightly long ago.
All markings are very distinct on this revolver. The stamped “Colt D. A. 38” is bold and clear. The patent dates, rampant Colt, two-line barrel address, and all serial numbers are again clearly stamped. On many Colt M1877 DA’s the serial numbers on trigger guards and backstraps are poorly-stamped, due to the semispherical surfaces.
The mechanism works as it should, with all hammer notches sharp and audibly clicking the sear, providing reasonably tight cylinder lock-up, and with no hesitation in trigger return action. The bore has strong rifling with scattered areas of light roughness. Overall the bore condition on a 10 scale is a strong 7. The cylinder chambers are excellent and generally smooth, as shown in pictures.
This gun shows traces of original blue on the backstrap, trigger guard, and barrel. The balance is generally a smooth light-to-medium dark gray patina. None of the surfaces show unusual denting or abuse.
The hard rubber grips are unusually nice on this revolver, but are replacements. Such nice grips definitely add to the overall eye appeal, and enhance a gun’s value.
Fourteen High Resolution Photographs are included with this listing. All of the revolver’s surfaces have been covered, the major markings are presented, and the three hammer cock positions are also shown in sequence. The last picture is a scan of the Colt Letter, which is in itself worth $150.
Must be shipped to your local FFL dealer.
Terms:
No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as a collector’s Colt M1877 DA. If you want to shoot any older gun, first take it to a competent gunsmith and have it checked out.
Three day inspection period, but please ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Contact me by email with request for pictures, or with questions. We can then also set up a phone call to discuss all details of this antique gun.
See my 24 years of feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, and CCA.
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No personal checks or Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by FedEx Insured (in 12" x 8" x 6" Box) for $42.00 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received.
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item.
SOLD