1882 COLT DA .41 WITH FANCY ENGRAVING, ENGRAVER??

[41 COLT]

For the Forum's consideration and expertise.
Colt DA .41 "Thunderer" shipped "soft" May 3rd, 1882 to the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., New Haven, CT.
Would like to narrow down the possible engravers during the time period who would have done the work for further study. Although this Colt has holster wear more so on the left side, the right side has plenty of detail. The finish seems more of a coin silver than nickel. Also note the coin "rim" engraving on both ends of the barrel and cut down coin front sight.
You findings will be much appreciated. More images by request to Specialforcesmcg@gmail.com Thanks again, Chris Williams

 

[mtlctr]

Nice pics, lots of wiggle work . I thought the Thunderers were single action, Lightnings da. But I’m no expert.

 

[Mike Dubber]

You should invest in a Colt Archive Letter for that one. The work looks to be authentic late 1800's factory engraving. Could be Helfricht or one of his staff engravers...but it would be best to know to establish a true value for the gun. No one on this forum can tell you who engraved it...it would be speculation.

 

[41 COLT]

Thanks Mike, Letter below. I suspected Helfricht or one of his staff engravers. Original owner said Ulrich but I know of few Ulrich engraved Colts. On vintage pieces like this is there someone or a company who might authenticate the work? Appreciate your comments! Chris Williams

 

[41 COLT]

Additional pix for consideration.

 

[41 COLT]

Nice pics, lots of wiggle work . I thought the Thunderers were single action, Lightnings da. But I’m no expert.

Thanks! The 1877 Colt came in .41 Long Colt "Thunderer", .38 Long Colt "Lightning" and even a .32 Long Colt named the "Rainmaker". All were double action on the same frame. They were in response to the heavily imported "Bulldog" DA revolver which was three times less in cost at the time. Thanks Again for your comments. Chris

 

[mtlctr]

Thanks for the info!
BTW, I’ve got a Thunderer (replica)) in .45 Colt 3 1/2” barrel.
Thunderer is an apt name

 

[AJB]

I’ve noted several instances of Colt shipping revolvers to Winchester in a soft state. They also shipped soft revolvers to wholesalers and others.

Here is another example: https://www.coltforum.com/threads/very-unusual-colt-m1877-da-“lightning”-engraved-by-winchester-1880.357715/