May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
1895 Vintage Colt Model 1877 Lightning double action revolver, serial number 101315. 4 - 1/2" barrel. Chambered in .38 Colt. Blue with case hardened frame. 2-piece checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colt motif. Backstrap inscribed "AM. EXP. CO. No. 170". Accompanying revolver is a Colt Archival Letter dated May 1, 1992 signed by M.S. Huber, Historian Emeritus. Letter documents .38/c caliber, 4 - 1/2 barrel, blue finish, Factory Rolled: "AM EXP CO 170" on backstrap, shipped to William Read & Son Boston, Massachusetts, For: American Express Co. C.E. Seaton, Agent, Chicago, Illinois Shipped on November 6, 1895 in a shipment of 192 guns of the same type. Also included is a letter from REA Express, dated June 16, 1961, signed by V.R. Morss, Superintendent Supplies. Letter documents that Colt Revolver serial number 101315, "Was in the service of AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY, AMERICAN RAILWAY EXPRESS CO., RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY INC., and REA EXPRESS." Included with collection is hat badge No. 379 marked: AMERICAN RAILWAY EXPRESS, hat badge No. 48344 marked: RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY, and a 6-point star badge marked "RY EXPRESS AGY./27/POLICE". 2 "RAILWAY EXPRESS" shipping tags, 1 AMERICAN RAILWAY EXPRESS CO. ticket, a booklet titled "THE ROMANCE OF RAILWAY EXPRESS", a brass with wood handle AMERICAN RAILWAY EXPRESS ticket stamp, ticket holder marked "RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY" and a burlap money bag marked "PROPERTY OF RY. EX. AGY. / 439808. CONDITION: All artifacts are in excellent condition. Revolver is fine having turned a pleasing dark brown patina overall with traces of original finishes. Grips are sound however worn smooth. Double action operates smoothly. Action is tight. Bore is excellent and bright. Most unusual to find a revolver with documented service to all 4 of these Railway Express Agencies. -MKS-
Accessories
American Railway Express Memorabilia