Page 122 - 4092-BOOK2-FLIPBOOK

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LOT 1122
Excellent Cased London Agency Antique Colt Bisley Flattop Target
Model Revolver with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 160897, 455 eley cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. This Colt
Bisley Flattop Target Model revolver with Colt factory letter states the revolver was sold and shipped to the Colt London Agency on February 26, 1895. The letter describes the revolver as “Flat Top (Target)”, caliber “455” with “Blue” finish and “Wood” stocks. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The trigger, top
of the hammer, rear sight and frame screws are niter blue. The two piece over-size walnut grip has a varnish finish. The revolver has the distinctive Bisley Target Model features which include: (1) flat top strap and sides fitted with dovetail mounted target rear sight, (2) solid front sight base with adjustable blue steel blade, (3) Bisley ‘Humpback’ grip and back strap, (4) curved wide hammer with knurled spur and (5) curved, wide trigger with checkered face. The back strap is fitted with a lanyard swivel. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” in one line. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped: “455 ELEY”. The caliber designation “45” and “V” are stamped on the underside of the barrel just in
front of the frame. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-date/two-line patent marking followed by the circled Rampant Colt trademark. The assembly number “15” is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. A “O” inspection mark is stamped in the hammer slot and “L’ is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. London “Crown/V” and “Crown C/P” proof and inspection marks are stamped in each cylinder flute and on the underside of the barrel. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number “08/95” is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is accompanied by a letter that explains that this is a “PRE-BISLEY” revolver that was identified as “Target Revolver-1895 Model” in the 1895 Holland & Holland catalogue. The barrel significantly lacks “BISLEY MODEL” markings. A total of 196 Bisley Target Model revolvers were chambered for the .455 Eley cartridge. The revolver is contained in a leather luggage-type case with two leather straps that secure the lid. The owner’s name “J.D. BIRCHALL.” is stamped
on the case lid. The case is lined in crimson felt and has six compartments including a 27-round cartridge block with seven cartridges. In addition to the cartridges the case contains: (1) a key, (2) L-shaped screw-driver and (3) steel cleaning rod with knurled brass head. A trade label “EDWINSON GREEN & SONS/GLOUCESTER” is attached to the inside of the lid.