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LOT 142
Rare and Exceptionally Fine Documented Colt Bisley Frontier Six Shooter Flattop Target Revolver
in Desirable .44-40 with Factory Letter - Serial no. 304168, 44-40 WCF cal., 7 1/ 2 inch round bbl., blue finish,
hard rubber grips. This is an exceptionally fine example of a scarce Colt Bisley Flattop Target Frontier Six Shooter
Revolver. It is one of only 78 Bisley Flattop Target Revolvers chambered in .44-40 WCF caliber manufactured by
Colt (see David Brown’s “The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” page 96). Total production of the Bisley
Flattop Target Model was approximately 976 revolvers. Many of these found there way to the U.K. for target
shooters such as this example. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Colt’s Patent
Fire Arms Mfg. Co. of Hartford, Connecticut, on July 9, 1909, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44-40 caliber and type of
stocks not listed. This was a single gun shipment. Delivery to the Colt factory suggests it was picked up by a factory
employee or specially delivered by the factory to an important client. The revolver has the distinctive flat top strap with
flat sides and dovetailed target rear sight, special Bisley hammer and humpback profile grip. The adjustable front sight has a
solid base with German silver ribbed blade. London proofs are stamped on the left side of the barrel and frame at the breech as well as on each
cylinder flute. The barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” on top and marked “(BISLEY MODEL)/FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”
on the left side. The left side of the frame has the standard two-line patent dates followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. The left side of the
trigger guard is marked with the number “1” and the Colt factory triangle proof. The revolver has a high-polish full blue finish with casehardened
hammer. The checkered black hard-rubber grips have the Rampant Colt trademark in an oval at the top of the grip. A lanyard ring is mounted on
the butt. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and both grip panels.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish some muzzle and high edge wear, small patch of pitting
at the muzzle, cylinder drag line, and grip straps thinning to a gray patina. The grips are excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically functions
but hammer has only two clicks. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a high condition example of one of only 78 Colt Bisley Frontier Six Shooter
Flattop Target Revolvers.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 10,000 - 18,000
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