Colt Lightning - Engraved Backstrap

[loosecannon6970]

I am looking for some help in determining historical significance and value on a Model 1877 Colt Lightning that I have had for about 20 years or so, with a very old and well done single line of engraving on the backstrap. It reads, Overland Express Co., followed by a star with a number 3 in the center. The gun is in the 1357xx range, .38 DA, has about a 4 1/2 inch barrel, the original Colt grips and about average wear with minor pitting. I bought this at least 20 years ago through Shotgun News and have never found anything related to an Overland Express that existed beyond the original company that was well before this Lightning was made. The engraving definately appears to be original to the gun when it was new. Any help is appreciated. I know I should probably get a Colt letter on it, since that might at least place it in a state so I could narrow the search.

 

[Dr.Rob]

http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?sContinent=USA&Screen=arms

Bonham's will do appraisals and may be able to help you figure out which company that was.

Antique Arms, Armor and Sporting Guns appraisals for auction
To arrange a free and confidential auction appraisal with a view to selling, contact:

Paul Carella
[email protected]
+1 (415) 861-7500 Ext. 3360

 

[Old Fuff]

I understand that Colt letters are up to as much as $300.00.

Anyway, unless the revolver was sold directly to the Express Co. a letter might not do you a lot of good. It would likely show the date it was shipped, and to what distributor. The distributor might be on the other side of the country.

As an example: Following the famous street fight (also called the O.K. Corral gunfight) in Tombstone, AZ two revolvers were recovered, one having been used by Billy Clanton and the other by Frank McLaury. One was shipped by a distributor located in New York City, and the other by a distributor in St. Louis, MO.

On the other hand if the letter showed that the gun was sold to the express Co. it would increase the value of the gun, but it might not be enough to cover the letter's cost. Do ask Colt though.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Also according to my little blue book that's a 1902 production gun.

 

[Old Fuff]

There were still stagecoach companies in Arizona as late as 1902 - probably later then that.

Most travel was by railroad, but more isolated areas couldn't always be reach by motor cars because of very primative roads.

 

[loosecannon6970]

Thanks for the info on the auction contact and the manufacture date. I'll see what I can turn up.

 

[loosecannon6970]

The Colt price list for a factory letter has gotten pretty detailed, with a bunch of add on price adjustments, but it still looks like it would be under $200, as long as Colt did not do the engraving. I'll leave that alone, unless I turn some info that would support getting the paper. Thanks for the help!