Manufactured in 1903, this is an outstanding example of an ejectorless "Sheriff's Model" variation of the Colt Model 1877 "Thunderer" revolver. 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 distributors, Benjamin Kittredge, who is also believed to have been responsible for giving the Single Action Army its iconic nickname, "Peacemaker". The Model 1877 was designed by William Mason, who was also one of the designers of the legendary "Peacemaker", and the similarities between the two are undeniable. While not nearly as successful as the Single Action Army from a business standpoint, the Model 1877 was an incredibly important stepping stone towards the double action revolvers that would carry Colt successfully through the 20th century. This example has the standard two-line address on top of the barrel and the "COLT.D.A.41" caliber marking on the left. The three-line patent date marking is on the left of the frame followed by the iconic circled Rampant Colt. The assembly number "492" is marked inside the loading gate. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap, and both grips appear to have faint, hand marked, matching partial serial numbers. It is fitted with blade front and frame-top groove rear sights, as well as a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops. Included with the revolver is a scarce, correctly labeled, factory picture box which features an image of an ejectorless Model 1877 revolver on the lid, with the end having a correct label with an additional partial label added which states "WITHOUT EJECTOR". The box is hand numbered on the bottom to a different gun.

Excellent, retains 97% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish, 98% of the vibrant original case colors, and 99% of the original niter blue with some very light edge wear and very little handling evidence. The grips have a series of minor scuffs on the left panel but otherwise are excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with a couple corners of the lid separated, a few small pieces absent from the labels, and mild wear.