Lot 74

Soft Shipped New York Engraved Colt 1877 Lightning Revolver

Previous image preload Next image preload

Soft Shipped New York Engraved Colt 1877 Lightning Revolver

Estimate: $3,500 - $5,500

Starting Bid: $3,000

(0 Bids)

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

Documented Hartley & Graham Soft Shipped New York Engraved Etched Panel Antique Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter The accompanying factory letter states this revolver was shipped on December 4, 1888, to Hartley and Graham in New York City, in .38 caliber with a 6 inch barrel, "soft" finish, and hard rubber grips, as part of six guns of the same type in the shipment. The remarks note that the "soft" listing for finish indicates the gun was left unfinished for engraving outside of the factory. The revolver is wearing a pair of period retailer pearl grips. This revolver features high quality period New York engraving consisting mainly of classic scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds and designs, a period retailer nickel finish and a set of period ivory grips. The engraving may have been performed by the shop of L.D. Nimschke, and has influences also seen in the work of Cuno Helfricht and his shop. Famed Master Engraved Louis D. Nimschke's primary client during his career from c. 1850 until his death in 1904 was Hartley & Graham in New York City, the largest firearms dealer in the country for much of the 19th century. The top of the barrel has the two-line Colt Hartford address and the left side features the desirable acid etched panel with "COLT D.A. 38". It has a blade front sight and frame-top groove rear sight. The left of the frame has the three-line patent date markings. "38 CAL" is marked on the left of the trigger guard. Matching visible full serial numbers are marked on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, matching "183" on the rear face of the cylinder, matching "83" on the interior of the left grip, and assembly number "20" on the loading gate.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1877

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 38 Long Colt

Finish: nickel

Grips: pearl

Serial Number68183

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Very fine, retains 80% retailer applied nickel finish, with a legible etched panel, some minor oxidation, period shortened barrel, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are fine, with well-defined edges, a few hairlines, and lustrous colors. The cylinder is slightly out of time; otherwise, mechanically functions.

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