GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
PRIZED FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION COLT LIGHTNING REVOLVER WITH RARE ONE PIECE HARD RUBBER GRIPS. COLT 1877 1779 38 Cal. 38 COLT. 3-1/2" rnd bbl with etched panel caliber designation on left side. Early 2-line Hartford address on top. Full coverage nickel finish with exception of niter blue hammer and trigger. This first year manufactured revolver has one of the rarest features of all Colt double actions. The one piece Rampant Colt checkered hard rubber grips are rarely encountered in any condition and these numbers matching grips could not be improved upon. Early variation with 3-line patent dates on left side of frame however is void of the circle Rampant Colt marking that is found on later variations to the rear of patent dates. Made without ejector rod and having the long cylinder pin known as the storekeepers model by some. PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Very good overall with strong etched panel on bbl. Several small areas of distress are evident in nickel finish on bottom of bbl from removal of cylinder pin. Nickel finish has a very pleasant dull appearance with evidence of having never been polished. After detailed dis-assembly all visible numbers were found to be matching. The niter blue finished screws so frequently found on these guns have basically silvered out with age. One screw head forward of the trigger guard is slightly fouled from a ill-fitting screwdriver. One very small area of now darkened steel exists on left side of recoil shield and is evidence of possibly lying in a drawer. Action and mechanics function properly. Bore is good with some very minor frosting within the bore. This is truly an exceptional first year Lightning. 53094-9 TDW (3,500-4,500)