Manufactured in 1898, this is one of only 401 Colt Lightning slide action rifles purchased by the San Francisco Police Department. These rifles were specially marked and numbered with special serial numbers on the lower tangs. "S.F.P. 31" is marked on this example. The actual Colt production serial numbers ranged from 82088-83998 and are stamped on the tangs beneath the stock, with this example stamped "82996" on both. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The left of the receiver is marked with the iconic Rampant Colt and the special serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth slide handle with double line border carving and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Fine, retains 70% plus of the original blue finish and traces of both original case colors on the hammer and niter blue on the loading gate with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered patches of light pitting, mostly on top of the receiver/dust cover. There is a vertical rectangular patch of cold blue touch up visible on the right side of the receiver. The wood is very good with some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.