December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Originally manufactured in 1895. Only a total of 1150 Colt Single Actions were manufactured in .455 Eley; of these, very few, only 37, were manufactured in this caliber in the Flattop Target configuration. 7 - 1/2" barrel chambered in .455 Eley with single line barrel address, Metford polygonal rifling, 2 line patent address, high polish blue finish, target rear sight, "Mil. & Bead" pinned blade front sight, and checkered brown gutta percha grips featuring a Rampant Colt in an oval on either side. Right rear side of trigger guard bow bears a 6-pointed star stamp over the blue finish, indicating this revolver returned to the factory. The factory letter confirms configuration, as well as shipment to Colt London Office, London, England, on May 8, 1902. The letter also states in the "Remarks" section at the bottom that the records contain a second listing for this serial number which indicates a Flattop Target in this revolvers' configuration was shipped to Colt London Agency on August 18, 1908, for the fitting of the Mil. & Bead front sight. Accompanied by a red velvet lined Colt London wood fitted case. CONDITION: Excellent+, with nearly all of the factory reapplied bright blue finish remaining with light freckling throughout and a brown patina beginning to form. Grips show some light handling wear, but no major signs of distress. Mechanically fine. Cylinder has a thin dragline. Bore is bright with sharp rifling. Case has some delamination on edge of lid and wear to edges. Interior lining shows wear from a gun sitting in it for a long period of time. A very rare Colt Single Action with factory letter and factory case that would make for an excellent display.
CORRECTION: Photo updated.
Model
Single Action Flattop Target