This is nice little Colt 1877 Lightning Revolver.  Its a standard storekeeper model with 3 1/2" barrel in 38 Colt with hard rubber grips, nickel finish, and fire blue appointments.  Serial number is in the 96,000 range which dates its production to the year 1894.  When we checked the grips to see if there were numbers (yes, and do match btw), we were surprised to find a name neatly penciled on the inside of the left panel, "Ritchie Lewis".  Usually when you find an original owner's name on the inside of a grip, its scratched in...not in perfectly written pencil. See photos. Could this name have been done at the factory? 

Overall condition is NRA Antique Excellent with 90% original nickel remaining the metal with some flaking at the front of the frame and along the edges of the cylinder flutes.  Original fire blue finish can be seen on the trigger, several screws, and rear face of hammer (sides were always polished bright).  The original hard rubber grips are in Very Good+ to Fine condition with perfect fit to the metal and no chips or repairs.  Checkering is good overall but rubbed smooth at the base of the right grip...perhaps carried in a holster.  Action works nicely in both double and single action modes.  Fair+ to Good bore.  Excellent markings and screws throughout.  A nice example of an Antique Pre-1898 Lightning Revolver.

Item# 0950

SOLD