1316

Desirable Documented Early Production Colt Bisley Flat Top Target Revolver Photographed in "A Study

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Desirable Documented Early Production Colt Bisley Flat Top Target Revolver Photographed in  A Study
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Estimate: $10000 - 15000
This is an example of a scarce Colt Bisley Flat Top Target Model revolver that was manufactured in 1895. Colt manufactured only about 970 of these revolvers with only 196 in the 455 Eley caliber. In May of 1894, the first factory shipment of the "Special Target" revolver was sent to Colt's London Agency. The new Target Model's outstanding performance at England's famous target shooting matches held at the Bisley Common prompted the redesignation to the "Bisley Target Model". According to "A Study Of The Colt Single Action Army Revolver" by Kopec, only 64 target revolvers have been found without the now familiar "(BISLEY MODEL)" barrel stamping. This specific revolver is photographed on page 128 of this book as an example of this rare feature. Those encountered are in the serial number range of 156,300 to 160,900. This is one such revolver making it a highly sought after variation. This revolver is equipped with a "rounded" steel military front sight blade and lanyard swivel on the butt. Colt's London Agency catalog for October of 1896 listed these revolvers as "New Military Target & Frontier Revolver in One". The top of the barrel is marked with the one line Hartford address, the left side "455 ELEY" and the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, three patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The rear face of the cylinder is stamped with "0897". The assembly number "32" is stamped on the loading gate and the British "crown/V" and "crown/GP" proof marks are marked in the cylinder flutes and on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin. Blue finish with niter blue checkered trigger and hammer with polished sides and fitted with smooth two-piece walnut grips.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 455 eley
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 160895
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 70% plus original blue finish with some areas of gray on the barrel, cylinder and frame leaving a smooth brown. There is a small area of very minor pitting on the barrel and top strap. The grip straps show some flaking and thinning. Most of the original niter blue remains on the trigger and hammer. The grips are also very fine with a few minor dents and handling marks. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.