I am not sure I understand. Why not ask here? No one here or anywhere else can claim total expertise, but I think some of us do know about guns costing over $500. The OP is free to take or disregard any advice given.
Further, our advice costs a lot less than an appraisal by one of the high priced experts. If the OP doesn't know what he is looking at or can't fully trust the seller, then I recommend he obtain an appraisal service (advertised in collector magazines) and pay accordingly before dropping a fair amount of money.
Actually, ten grand is no longer big bucks in the gun collecting area, especially with antique Colts. Lugers of a make and quality I once turned down at $50 are bringing $2000; a SAA that once would have sold for $250 will now bring $3000 and up. True, the Model 1877 is not in the Paterson category and never will be, but they are a highly desireable early DA Colt and few are seen in unfired condition. Most I have seen, due to the delicate mechanism, are non-functional and there are almost no gunsmiths who are willing and knowledgeable enough to work on them, even assuming parts are available.
So, no, I don't think it is odd that the OP asked here about those guns, and I hope I have given him good advice.
Jim