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CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% plus
original blue finish with a spot of cold blue
touch-up visible on right side of barrel and
rear of front sight, thinning to brown on
the balance. The grips are excellent with crisp
checkering. Mechanically excellent. A well cared for
Colt Bisley Flattop Target revolver in .32 WCF that
will make a fine addition to any SAA collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 25,000
LOT 132
Scarce Documented Individual Shipped Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Revolver in .32 W.C.F. with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 319681, 32 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. Offered here is one of only
976 Colt Bisley Flattop Target revolvers produced in all calibers manufactured by Colt between 1894 and 1913 and only one of
approximately 131 Bisley Flattop Targets chambered in .32 W.C.F. (see David Brown’s “The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” page 190). Brown
explained, “The .32-20 W.C.F. cartridge had good range and accuracy. It is very easy to shoot, as it does not make the revolver buck as the larger calibers
do.” Today, these scarce revolvers are highly sought after by Colt collectors. The condition alone makes this example a highly attractive addition to any
collection. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Charles Brathoupt (address unavailable, no information on individual)
on February 9, 1912, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .32-20 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a single gun shipment. The revolver has
the correct all blue flattop frame and pinned blade and dovetailed notch target sights. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and “(BISLEY
MODEL) 32 W.C.F.” on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The left side of
the trigger guard has a Colt factory verified proof and the letter “W”. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and both
grip panels. The matching assembly number is found on the rear of the frame and loading gate. The revolver wears a set of Rampant Colt embossed
checkered hard rubber grips.
According to "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army" by Brown, of the 976 Colt Bisley Flattop Target revolvers produced, only 131 were chambered for .32 W.C.F.