This is a very fine example of a Colt "Thunderer" revolver with a 3 1/2 inch barrel and without an ejector, commonly referred to as a "Sheriff's Model". Though the nicknames "Rainmaker", "Lightning", and "Thunderer" are all excellent marketing material, they were not names ever actually used by Colt. These nicknames are believed to have been coined by the famous Colt distributor, Benjamin Kittredge, who is also believed to have been responsible for giving the Single Action Army its iconic nickname, "Peacemaker". "Thunderer" is certainly an apt nickname for this Sheriff's Model, with it packing the punch of double action .41 Long Colt in a revolver small enough to fit in a large pocket. The included factory letter lists the revolver in .41 caliber, with a 3 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and grips not listed when it was sold to Hobbs Hardware Co. of New London, Connecticut and shipped to Wyeth Hardware Co. of St. Joseph, Missouri on 18 December 1906 in a three-gun shipment. This specific example is correctly marked with the two-line address on top of the barrel and the caliber marking on the left. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates and the circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame top groove rear sight, and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops.

Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish, 60% plus of the vibrant original case colors, and 80% of the bright niter blue on the hammer and trigger with some mild thinning on some edges and handling areas, showing mostly a smooth grey patina. The grips are fine with light, even handling wear. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional example of a Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 "Thunderer" revolver that you don't want to let pass you by!