Included in this lot is a very rare historically inscribed Colt Model 1877 “Thunderer” .41 Colt Center Fire Caliber Double Action Six Shot Revolver. This revolver with 3 ½” barrel is marked on the back strap “PAC. EX. CO. 149053.” This is the second Colt 1877 Thunderer revolver we are aware of with this marking which denotes the Pacific Express Company. Documentation that accompanies this fine Colt explains that this company was incorporated on March 2, 1855 and was formed by several past employees of the Adams & Company which went bankrupt in February 1855. This formative time for the Pacific Express Company operated for about 2 years mostly in California, but also in other areas of the United States. (Some of this information was gleaned from an ad by a gallery offering an 1855 dated Pacific Express Company stock certificate for sale for $2,500. A copy of this advertisement with photo of the stock certificate is part of the document bundle that is included with this Colt revolver.) Further uncovered information that is included with this revolver shows that the Pacific Express Company was later formed from the Kansas Pacific and Union Pacific Express Companies in 1879 and developed a strong business liaison with the United States Express Company to provide trans-continental express service. Interestingly, sometime between 1911 and 1913 the company was liquidated when either Wells Fargo & Co. took over its remaining express routs or the company was bought by American Express. More research is needed to clarify these later historical discoveries. Finally, included is a lengthy summary of the Supreme Court case “Pacific Express Company V. Seibert, 142 U.S. 339 (1892).” Concerning the Colt Model 1877 itself, this same revolver in the more common smaller .38 Colt caliber was referred to as the “Lightning” and is found more commonly than the big .41 Colt model known as the “Thunderer.” This attractive example made during the latter part of the Frontier Years is in surprisingly fine condition with good blue remaining on the barrel and cylinder with the balance of the metal a deep, uncleaned patina. Additionally, it still retains the excellent and sharp three-line patent dates of Sept. 19, 1871; Sept. 15, 1874 and Jan. 19, 1875 on the frame. The top of the barrel is also correctly and clearly stamped “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co.” over “HARTFORD, CT U.S.A.” This revolver retains the original unaltered front sight, fine screws and excellent mechanics- this is very unusual as most examples of this desirable Colt Six Shooter have internal mechanisms that no longer function properly. It also has characteristically holster-worn checkered hard rubber grips with the famed “Rampant Colt” in an oval embossed at the top. Accompanying this revolver with serial number 149053 (used by the Pacific Express Company and stamped on the backstrap as described above) and manufactured in 1904, is a brown leather flap holster that fits this revolver well and appears to have been with it for many decades. Aside from seeing use by several express companies, the Model 1877 was a favored revolver of both Billy the Kid and Texas gunfighter John Wesley Hardin and would be right at home in the finest Old West, Frontier, Railroad or Colt collection. A most important western used Model 1877 with especially scarce and desirable historical markings. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.