Original Item: Only One Available The romance around Colt "Cowboy" Revolvers never ceases to amaze us. This is fantastic, a truly exceptional offering of a Colt M1877 "Thunderer" Double Action .41 Caliber revolver, complete with the original box! This is the same model that was carried by "Billy the Kid", though it is from years after his era. Additionally, it comes with an original letter from the Colt Factory, displaying the listed specifications in their records.

The revolver is marked on the bottom of the grip, frame, and trigger guard with serial number 91601, indicating it was made in 1893. We were not able to see any serial number markings on the cylinder, which are usually stamped on the rear, however it definitely doesn't look like it has been swapped out. It also has assembly number 193 stamped on the loading gate, and really is in great shape.

The M1877 was offered from the factory in two basic finishes: nickel-plated or a case-hardened frame with a blue barrel and cylinder. The revolver was available in barrel lengths from 2 ½" to 7 ½" and was available with or without the ejector rod and housing. The shorter barreled versions without the ejector rod were marketed as "shopkeeper's specials".

This revolver came to us with a Colt Factory letter from the office of the Colt Historian Beverly Jean Haynes! It is dated September 9, 2013, and indicates it is a COLT DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER MODEL OF 1877, with the caliber listed as .41/c with a barrel length of 4 ½". The finish is listed as Blue, however the type of stocks is Not Listed. The gun was shipped on February 1, 1893 as part of a shipment of 25 similar guns, however the dealer they were shipped to is unfortunately "Illegible".

This example is still in the original factory configuration, with a nice medium length 4 ½" barrel and a blued finish with a case hardened frame. The original factory finish is very well retained, and it is fitted with lovely original "Prancing Pony" Colt hard rubber grips. There is an ejector rod installed on the right side of the barrel, and it is still clearly marked on the top of the barrel with the Colt address:

COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co.
HARTFORD.  CT.  U. S. A.

It also still has all of the original patent markings on the left side of the frame, to the left of the stamped "Prancing Pony" logo:

PAT. SEPT 19.1871.
''     ''   5.    '' 74.
''  JAN.19.   '' 75.

The M1877 revolvers were marketed under different names such as "LIGHTNING" to appeal to different groups of customers. Although all were of the same basic design, they were also referred to as "THUNDERERS", "RAINMAKERS", and SHERIFF'S MODELS" as well, depending on the caliber and configuration. None of these names were Colt designations, nor used by the factory in any reference materials of the time. All of these terms were coined by Benjamin Kittredge, one of Colt's major distributors. Kittredge was responsible for the terms "Peacemaker" for the Single Action Army, "Omnipotent" for the Colt M1878 double-action (often known as the "Frontier" model), and nicknames for the various chamberings of the New Line models. This example is roll stamped COLT. D.A. 41 on the left side of the barrel, and marked with a tiny 41 on the bottom, so it is definitely a "Thunderer."

We purchased this revolver as a "THUNDERER" and it is in excellent working order and condition, probably the best we ever handled. The barrel, cylinder, trigger, trigger guard, and grip frame still have almost all of the original blued finish, while the frame and hammer have a lot of the "case hardened" finish present, which is less durable. Its bird's head gutta-percha grips bear the Colt prancing horse logo on each side, which show little to no wear. It is really in great unmessed with condition!

The revolver functions almost flawlessly in both single and double action, with very little slop in the mechanics. It indexes great, the cylinder lockup is strong, and it has a crisp dry fire. The cylinder arbor pin pulled out correctly, allowing the cylinder to be removed. The bore is in excellent condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. There are just a few spots of oxidation, and it looks to have seen very little use after being purchased.

The original box measures approximately 10" x 4" x 1 ⅝", and is completely correct. It indicates it is COLT'S DOUBLE ACTION PISTOL. in .41 Calibre. with a 4½ INCH BARREL.. There is still some tissue paper packing material on the inside, though we do not know if it is original. It is in very good condition considering the age, with wear to the outside, and some past glued repairs and splits to the corners, but overall it presents wonderfully.

The "Lightning" was the favored personal weapon of famous Manchester (UK) Victorian detective and then head of CID, Jerome Caminada. Old West outlaw John Wesley Hardin frequently used both "Lightning" and "Thunderer" versions of the Colt 1877 revolver. Likewise the 1877 "Thunderer" in .41 caliber was the preferred weapon of Billy the Kid and was his weapon of choice when he was killed by Pat Garrett in 1881.

A fantastic example of a Pre-1899 antique Colt "Thunderer" Revolver in .41 caliber, complete with the original box and factory letter. This is hand's down the best example that we have ever had, and is an offering we are unlikely to ever see the likes of again. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1893
Caliber: .41 "Long" Colt
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 ½ inches
Overall Length: 9 ½ inches
Action: Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver