May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
First introduced into the Colt catalogues in 1890, the Flat Top Target Models saw unimpressive sales overall, with the majority of sales being sent to England in small shipments. Only approximately 925 Single Action Army Flattop Target Models were produced before the Bisley and Bisley Target Models were announced in 1894-1895, and the Flat Top Single Action Model was dropped from Colt catalogs. This example, manufactured in 1890, was manufactured the same year that Colt began advertising the Flat Top Single Action Army. The left side of the barrel is stamped "450 ELEY.", with the top bearing Colt's single line Pall Mall address. The left side of the frame bears Colt's 3-line patent stamp. Cylinder bears English proofs, with the bottom of the barrel bearing 2 English proofs over "45 M". Major metal components feature a deep and lustrous bluing, with the frame screws, grip screws, and trigger being nitre blued. Frame is mounted with 2-piece Colt hard rubber grips that are embossed with the Rampant Colt logo within an oval at the top and an eagle and chief motif at the bottom. The barrel measures 7 - 1/2" and features Metford rifling, as well as the "new shape" front sight, indicating that this is one of the only 12 Single Action Flat Top Target revolvers that were manufactured with this "new shape" front sight. Accompanying this revolver is a printed scan of the Colt records entry stating that 12 Single Action Army Target pistols were manufactured with the "new shape" front sight, as well a Whitehead Cup Challenge Army Bisley medal that is engraved "T.C. COPE." on the rear. Revolver is housed within a contemporary blue Colt factory plastic case. CONDITION: Excellent, as professionally period restored, exhibiting few overall spots of light wear, some spots of extremely light pitting around stampings, as well as some very light cleaned surface oxidation overall. Mirror bore, exhibiting strong rifling throughout. Grips show some light smoothing and a few minor marks from handling and storage but are otherwise fine. Medal shows areas of age-related discoloration but is otherwise very good. Of the 925 Single Action Flat Top Target Model revolvers produced, only 84 were chambered in the .450 Eley cartridge, and only 12 in total featuring the "new shape" front sight, making this an exceptional example of a scarce and highly desirable Colt Single Action Flat Top Target revolver. MLW
Accessories
Bisley Medal, Colt hard case
Model
Single Action Flattop Target
Paperwork
Copy of Colt Records