Proofhouse.com has Colt sn data.
The Colt 1877 lightning with that serial number was manufactured in 1888,about 121 years ago.
You will have to call Colt with the sn to find out.
A single action pisstol, such as the Colt 1911, requires that the hammer be manually cocked before firing the first shot. Double action pistols, such as the P38, do not- pulling the trigger will cause the hammer to rise and fall, without being manually cocked. This also applies to single action revolvers, such as the Colt Peacemaker, and the double action S&W Model 66 Combat Masterpiece.
My records indicate that your 45 colt single action army was made in 1883.
about 1908
A nice pistol
Try the auction sites.
The Colt M1911 pistol entered service with the United States Army on March 29th, 1911. The Navy and Marines later adopted the pistol in 1913. Its formal designation was Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911.
Need a better description. Is it a pistol or revolver? What are the markings on the barrel or slide? is it a single action(cowboy gun)? is a double action(police gun)?
This is a handgun, either revolver or automatic, which requires manual cocking of the hammer to fire the gun. Examples include the Colt Single Action Army (the classic cowboy gun) for revolvers and the Model 1911 for automatics. A double action pistol will cock the hammer and fire the gun simply by pulling the trigger.
made about 1897