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The designation ‘Eley’ or ‘Boxer’ was used interchangeably. Revolvers listed in .45
Eley in the record ledger may be listed on the shipping invoice as .45 Boxer and vice
versa.” The authors accounted for a total of only 275 Single Action Army Flattop Target
revolvers in .450 Boxer/Eley falling in the 1-164100 serial number range, and 230 out
of the 275 units had a blue finish and 7 1/2 inch barrel like this example (page 405).
In the 1880s, the .450 became a popular short range target cartridge. Shallow groove
Metford rifling, as featured on this revolver, was popular with target shooters at the
time, and was designed to reduce barrel fouling for black powder ammunition. It has
8-groove polygonal Metford rifling, a beaded blade target front sight and dovetail
mounted notch rear sight, the one-line Colt Pall Mall London address on top of the
barrel, and three-line patent date markings on the left side of the frame. Matching
visible full serial numbers on the frame and trigger guard, with assembly number “91”
on the loading gate. The rare partitioned case has a Colt Pall Mall London trade label
on the interior of the lid and a blank brass circular plaque on the exterior of the lid.
The case contains a cartridge block holding twenty-four .450 Boxer/Eley cartridges
(some with “ELEY BROS” headstamps), and two cleaning rod end attachments.
This is a special period case as it is designed to accommodate the elongated grip.
This type of case is extremely rare.
CONDITION: Fine as period refurbished, retains 75% plus bright high polish blue
finish overall with a few areas thinned to smooth brown and gray patina on the
balance, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Grips are fine, with tight
fitment, 7 period carved notches along the lower right edge, a small chip at the lower
front right corner, some light handling marks, and crisp checkering. The cylinder
occasionally does not spin freely in half cock; otherwise, mechanically functions.
An extremely rare and attractive Colt Flattop Target Model Single Action Army .450
Revolver with highly desirable and seldom encountered elongated target grips.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 20,000
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