I've recently inherited a Colt revolver that belonged to my great-grandfather, a captain in the Kansas City Police dept. I know that he joined the force in 1884, and I know from web-research, and a knowledgeable local dealer, that the gun is a model 1877 'Lightning' .38, Colt's first production double-action revolver. I'm trying to get a bead, now, on the year in which this particular handgun was produced. The serial number is 54XXX, but I haven't been able to find a site or source that will tell me what year that makes it. My suspicion is that it would come from around the time he joined the force, but the serial number looks a little high to me. Anyone know where this kind of thing can be checked out?
(sorry I don't have a scanner to show it to you just yet--I'll get one in another week or two. It's in lovely condition, though, and with what appears to be its original holster)
(sorry I don't have a scanner to show it to you just yet--I'll get one in another week or two. It's in lovely condition, though, and with what appears to be its original holster)
I'm glad you shot it, too many old guns never get shot. Then the question becomes "Is it still a gun?" Or is it just another thing gathering dust. I think you are smart not to shoot it too much, as the mechanism is a little on the delicate side, compared to a Single Action Army or a more modern double action. There are few smiths who really understand these guns enough to work on them. Enjoy it.