September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
The 1981 dated Colt factory letter to Bruch Skinner lists serial number 22854 as .38/c, 3 1/2" barrel, nickel finish, grips-rubber shipped to J. P. Lovell Sons Boston, Massachusetts on February 10, 1880 in a shipment of 40 guns. A Colt lightning survey sheet filled out by Mr. Skinner lists this gun by number with a note that it was accompanied at that time with a pink Colt picture box as well as a cleaning rod and a photo of a bull fight advertisement along with note "Property of Governor Curtis Guild of 222 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, Mass. The box , tool and note are no longer with this gun so claims to Governor Guild is simply hearsay. That in no way diminishes the value of this Lightning sheriffs model revolver. Besides the original factory nickel finish, this gun features the fire blue trigger, top and back of polished side hammer, screws and cylinder retaining pin. Matching numbers on frame, trigger guard and back strap. Grips are not numbered but are standard two piece Colt gutta percha. The left side of barrel has the bold acid etched panel that reads "COLT D.A. 38. Top of barrel has Colt address two line legend. Left side of frame has three line patent dates. CONDITION: Excellent. Gun does not appear to have ever been fired. No obvious cylinder face burn. Retains virtually all the original nickel finish, all the fire blue, bold as new etched panel, near mint grips. Basically, just shows minor handling as normally found with this finish. Works correctly both single and double action. Bore is bright. They don't come much nicer than this example. Also comes with an original Lovell advertising envelope.