2054

EXTREME RARE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY FLAT TOP TARGET WITH EXTENDED GRIPS.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
EXTREME RARE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY FLAT TOP TARGET WITH EXTENDED GRIPS.
SN 158911. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). All blue finish with 7-1/2" bbl, ivory bead target front sight in a rectangular base, 1-line block letter address and caliber marking on left side. There is a tiny "41" on bottom of bbl just at the frame. "41" is the actual bore diameter of the 38-40 cartridge. Frame is flat top style with dovetailed fixed target sight and left side of frame has the 2-line, 3-patent dates with rampant Colt in a circle. Screws & trigger are fire-blued. Mounted with long & wide 2-pc, full checkered walnut grips with two screws. Grips are an overall 4-1/8" long. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver as a Single Action Flat Top Target in caliber 38-40 with 7-1/2" bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Albert Foster, Jr., New York, NY on Dec. 1, 1909 in a 1-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a 1-page letter from renowned Colt researcher, historian & author, R.L. Wilson, wherein he states "The varnished and checkered walnut grips are of the special long grip style, considered one of the most rare and desirable features on a select few Flattop Colt Single Action revolvers." Mr. Wilson also cites several other authors & books espousing the rarity of long grip variations. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were about 925 Flat Top Target Model Single Actions produced in the period 1888-1896 of which only 19 were in caliber 38-40. There are no statistics on the numbers with extended grips but they most certainly are extremely rare. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all visible numbers match. Overall retains about 90% glossy orig blue with very light muzzle edge wear on the bbl and ejector housing with faint sharp edge wear on the frame; front & back straps are a gray patina; screws & trigger retain most of their orig fire blue, dull on trigger face; hammer retains brilliant case colors on sides & rear edge, top edge heavily faded; cyl retains about 95-96% strong orig blue with light sharp edge wear and a light drag line. Grips are sound with a few light nicks & scratches, showing light to moderate diamond point wear and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-48756 JR320