Lot 84

Antique San Francisco Police Colt Lightning Medium Frame Rifle

Previous image preload Next image preload

Antique San Francisco Police Colt Lightning Medium Frame Rifle

Estimate: $7,500 - $12,000

Starting Bid: $6,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding Documented Antique San Francisco Police Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle in Desirable .44-40 W.C.F. with Factory Letter Manufactured in 1898, this is one of only approximately 400 Colt Lightning slide action rifles purchased by the San Francisco Police Department. By 1898, San Francisco had become a significant metropolis on the West Coast, important both culturally and in regards to the settlement of the American West, as well as being a vital troop hub during the Spanish-American War. The population at the time had rapidly grown to approximately 300,000, necessitating a well-armed and professional police force. For police purposes, these Colt slide actions had the added benefit of being able to hold down the trigger while operating the slide handle to fire multiple shots while remaining aimed at a target, giving law enforcement a significant advantage over most would-be criminals. These rifles were specially marked and numbered on the lower tangs. "S.F.P. 237" is marked on this example. The actual Colt production serial numbers ranged from 82088-83998 and are stamped on the tangs beneath the stock, with this example stamped "83337" on both. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The left of the receiver is marked with the iconic Rampant Colt and the special serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is mounted with a very finely figured slide handle with double line border carving and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Includes a framed Colt factory letter stating information about these San Francisco police Lightnings.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Lightning

BBL: 26 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial NumberS.F.P.237

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Excellent, retains 90% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish, 80% plus of the original case colors on the hammer, and 80% plus of the original nitre blue on small parts including the loading gate, with the balance a smooth grey patina, mostly on edges, a patch of minor flaking on the upper tang showing brown patina, and some minor scratches on the receiver. The wood is very fine with a minor chip and scattered minor dings on the slide handle and some scattered light scratches on the stock. Mechanically excellent. A very scarce and highly sought after San Francisco police marked Colt Lightning!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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