According to the included factory letter, this revolver was part of an 18-arm shipment to Colt's London Agency on 10 July 1877. The arm, as shipped, is a 38 caliber Lightning with nickel finish and ivory grip. Blade and groove sights, with the etched panel "COLT D.A. 38" on the left side of the barrel, the two line Hartford address on top, and the merchant mark "J.BEATTIE & SON./205 REGENT ST. LONDON." on the top strap. The arm also bears the "crown/V" and "crown/GP" marks of the London Proofhouse, one each on the lower left side of the barrel, and alternating behind the flutes on the cylinder. As proper for a Sheriff's Model, the frame lacks a base for installing an ejector housing, and is fitted with a long knurled cylinder pin head. Birds head grips, fitted with a smooth one piece ivory grip. With a leather covered carrying case bearing a J. Beattie label inside the lid, pewter oiler, ebony handled screwdriver, a leather and felt tipped mallet, key, and 14 rounds of Remington-UMC 38 S&W ammunition.

Excellent, with 95% of the original nickel finish, showing brown spotting concentrated on the grip straps and scattered light handling marks. A small patch of pitting, surrounded by a deep brown patina is visible on the back strap. The grip is excellent, with a few minor age stress lines, along with an attractive color and grain. The case is good, with some wear on the exterior and staining of the inner lining, and the cartridges show corrosion. Mechanically very good.