Lot 3124

Rare Antique Colt Model 1877 Rainmaker .32 Revolver with Letter

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Rare Antique Colt Model 1877 Rainmaker .32 Revolver with Letter

Estimate: $6,500 - $11,000

Starting Bid: $5,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare Antique Colt Model 1877 Rainmaker .32 Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as the sole gun of its type in a shipment on August 1, 1893, to Hartley & Graham in New York City, in .32 caliber with a 5 inch barrel, nickel finish, and type of grips not listed. This is one of only approximately 200 of Colt's Model 1877 revolver that were chambered in .32 Long Colt and nicknamed the "Rainmaker" per page 325 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson. These revolvers came to be known as the "Rainmaker" (.32 caliber), "Lightning" (.38 caliber), and "Thunderer" (.41 caliber). The nicknames were excellent marketing material and were coined by the famous Colt distributor Benjamin Kittredge who is also credited with giving the Single Action Army its iconic nickname "Peacemaker". The "Rainmaker" was produced in significantly smaller numbers than the "Thunderer" and "Lightning," lending to their higher desirability on the modern collector market. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Colt Hartford address and "COLT. D.A. 32" is on the left. The left of the frame has the three-line patent date markings and the circled Rampant Colt. Matching visible serial numbers are marked on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, matching partial "178" on the rear of the cylinder, and assembly number "549" on the loading gate. It has a blade front sight and groove frame-top groove rear sight.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1877

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 32 Long Colt

Finish: nickel

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number95178

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Edward Bristow Collection; Douglas R. Carlson; The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Fine with some character, retains 60% untouched original nickel finish, with brown patina on the balance, oxidation, distinct markings and edges in the metal. The grips are very good, with some edge wear, and defined logos. The cylinder is slightly out of time and locks up intermittently; otherwise, mechanically functions. A rare opportunity to acquire a Colt Model 1877 Rainmaker revolver!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000