Make: Colt
Model: 1877, "Thunderer"
Serial Number: 40888
Year of Manufacture: 1883
Caliber: .41 Colt
Action Type: Single/Double Action Side Loading Gate Revolver
Barrel Length: 3 1/2
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber on a bird's head grip frame, with a Rampant Colt in an oval at the top of each panel. The grips have moderate-heavy handling wear with most of the checkering worn smooth. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a couple of more notable dings at the bottom of the left panel. There is a small loss at the top-front edge of the left panel. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original to the parts, replaced cylinder pin and hammer.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and some pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 50% of its metal finish. The hammer is missing its firing pin. Most of the loss is in the cylinder, the left of the barrel and left of the frame. There is some wear in the grip areas. Worn areas have mostly gone to an even patina. There is some good finish on the right of the barrel and frame with some in the grip frame. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The right of the frame has rough etching, appearing to be "L G E D"? There is a clear "S" stamped on the top of the backstrap, consistent with Stembridge Gun Rentals' property markings. The cylinder pin has been replaced and the retaining screw is a plug, not actually threaded to the frame. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes a W.R. Thompson shoulder holster rig with cartridge loops, customized with a removable sheath for an included double-edged dagger. The knife has a 3.5" blade, 7.75" overall, stag scales.
Our Assessment: The Colt M1877 was a double action revolver manufactured by Colt's Patent Fire Arms from January 1877 to 1909 for a total of 166,849 revolvers. The Model 1877 was offered in three calibers, which lent them three unofficial names, the "Lightning", "Thunderer", and "Rainmaker". The revolver was designed by one of the inventors of the M1873 Colt Single Action Army, William Mason, as Colt's first attempt at manufacturing a double-action revolver and was also the first successful US-made double-action cartridge revolver.
Neither "Lightning" nor "Thunderer" were Colt designations, nor used by the factory in any reference materials. Both terms were coined by Benjamin Kittredge, one of Colt's major distributors, who was also responsible for the term "Peacemaker" for the Single Action Army. Old West Outlaw John Wesley Hardin frequently used both "Lightning" and "Thunderer" versions of the Colt 1877 revolver.
This Thunderer appears to have had an interesting career, having a prominent "S" marking on the top of the backstrap consistent with the property marking of Stembridge Gun Rentals. Stembridge was a prominent prop supplier for the movie industry from 1920 until 2007, so this revolver could have been featured in quite a wide array of films or television. While not currently functioning properly, it does present nicely in the included shoulder rig with a beautiful knife to accompany it. This would be a neat addition to a Colt or film firearms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
