May 12-14, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #1263:
(A) VERY EARLY COLT LARGE FRAME LIGHTNING SLIDE ACTION RIFLE SERIAL NUMBER 7.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/12/2026
The lower tang of this extremely early production large frame "Express" Lightning Magazine Rifle is engraved in script "No. 7". Per the included factory letter it shipped in its current configuration on April 21, 1887 to Western Arms & Cartridge Company of Chicago & East Alton, Illinois as a single gun of this type in the shipment. Just 6,496 large frame rifles were built, this being one of the earliest known. The blued octagon barrel is rollmarked with the 2-line Colt address and engraved with the script "40-60-260" caliber designation. Dovetailed blade front sight and elevation adjustable v-notch rear. Polish blued large frame with faint rampant Colt on the left. 2-piece checkered walnut forend and plain walnut stock with steel crescent butt plate. CONDITION: Good. Barrel and magazine tube have largely drifted to a plum patina with frosted surfaces. Action retains significant portions of brilliant factory blue blending with areas of cleaned olde oxidation. Forend is worn with some added finish, dings, and nicks. Stock also appears cleaned with some added finish, as well as dings nicks, and abrasions throughout. Bore is well defined with some light black powder abrasion. Fine mechanics. A rare opportunity to acquire a single digit serial number Colt rifle.
ADDENDUM: A scan of the letter has been uploaded.