Factory Engraved Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver

Manufactured in 1883, this is a solid example of a factory engraved Colt "Sheriff's" Model 1877 Lightning revolver. The included factory letter lists the revolver in .38 caliber with a 2 inch barrel, nickel and gold finish, pearl grips, and factory engraved when shipped to Peter Bergenson in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on 12 December 1883. The name noted in this factory letter is believed to be a misspelling of "Peter Bergerson", who was a noted gunsmith and competition shooter in Cheyenne and lived from around 1853 to 1930. It is unclear whether this revolver was ordered for Bergerson himself or to sell in his Cheyenne shop. This specific example shows very attractive, near full coverage, factory engraving that is very much in line with the engraving executed by Colt factory Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht during this time. The engraving features floral scroll on the sides of the frame and right of the barrel, "Nimschke stars" on the sides of the frame at the breech, starbursts on the recoil shield and loading gate, and zig-zag line patterns throughout. The desirable 2 inch barrel has the etched panel on the left and is simply marked "COLT" on top. The three-line patent dates are marked on the left of the frame and "38 CAL" is on the left of the trigger guard. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap, as well as the partial serial number "678" on the rear face of the cylinder and the assembly number "788" inside the loading gate. It is fitted with an attractive pair of smooth pearl grips

Condition: Very fine, retains 95% plus of the period replated gold finish with some areas of light pitting visible below the finish, a few scattered spots of light flaking, visible etched panel, and crisp engraving overall. The highly attractive grips are also very fine with a minor chip absent from the front corner of the left panel and otherwise only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically functions fine, although slightly out of time. An attractive, factory embellished, western shipped, Colt "Sheriff's" Model 1877 Lightning revolver!