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LOT 3136
Exceptional Factory
Cased Colt Single Action
Flattop London Target
Model Revolver in .450 Eley Caliber with Factory Letter - Serial no. 132700, 450 Eley cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber
grips. Manufactured in 1890. The Colt Single Action Army Flattop revolver is one of the most highly sought
after models of Colt revolver by collectors. Colt only produced 925 and of those only made 84 in the 450 Eley
caliber making the Flattop Target Model very rare. Adding to the rarity of this revolver is the fact that only a few
had the London address on the barrel. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’ S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT.
U.S.A. DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON”. The left side is marked “ 450 ELEY.” and the three-line, three patent dates
are marked on the left side of the frame. There is no Rampant Colt present. British proofs are present on the
underside of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin, and similar markings are on the cylinder flutes. The revolver
is fitted with checkered hard rubber Rampant Colt/American Eagle relief grips. The revolver is all blue finished.
All serial numbers match. The accompanying factory letter dated February 3, 1960, states that the page with the
information listing the shipment of 24 Single Action Army Target Models to the Colt London Agency on about
April 17, 1890 has the end torn off so that some of the serial number is absent; however, one of the 24 shipped had the serial number “1327_ _” having the last two numbers torn away. The 24 shipped were listed as having a 7 1/2 inch barrel, rubber stocks and blue finish. Although it cannot be verified, the letter states that they feel certain that serial number 132700 was one of the 24 shipped that day. The revolver is complete in a very nice oak case with brass disk on the lid and red felt lining, with a label affixed to the inside of the lid that read, “Colts Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co/ 14 Pall Mall. S.W./ London. The case has three compartments and a 33 round bullet block, (with bullets). Also in the case is a James Dixon oiler.
CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. The revolver retains 70% bright original high polish blue finish with scattered areas of flaking, a mix of original blue finish and smooth plum patina, several scratches on the underside of the barrel and some areas of very fine pitting. The grips are excellent. The left panel has faded to brown, and they show minimal wear with very crisp checkering. The markings remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some minor scratches on the exterior with fine original label.
Provenance: The Gateway Collection.
Estimate: 19,000 - 27,500
According to "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army" by Brown, only 84 Flattop Target Model Colt Single Action revolvers were produced in .450 Eley.
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