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According to The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver by Brown, of the 976 Bisley Flattop Target Model revolvers produced, only 97 were chambered for the .45 Long Colt.
LOT 1111
Outstanding Colt Bisley
Flattop Target Model Revolver with Fleur-de-Lis Walnut Grips with Factory Letter - Serial no. 278376, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch bbl., blue finish, checkered walnut grips. This is an exceptional example of a highly desirable 45 Long Colt Bisley Single Action Flattop Target Model revolver that was manufactured in 1906. 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 nickel-silver blade, (3) Bisley ‘Humpback’ grip straps, (4) curved, wide, hammer with knurled spur, (5) curved wide trigger with smooth
face and (6) rare two-piece checkered walnut ‘Humpback’ Bisley grips.
The revolver has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish with color casehardened hammer and niter blue rear sight, trigger and screws. 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 “(BISLEY MODEL) 45 COLT” in one line. The caliber designation “45” is 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 encircled Rampant Colt trademark. The assembly number “4072e” is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The Colt “Triangle/VP” proofmark is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow and the “T” assembler’s mark is stamped on the left rear of the trigger guard bow. A “N” inspection mark is stamped in the hammer slot. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. The accompanying factory letter confirms the blue finish, 7 1/2 inch barrel in 45 caliber, and checkered wood grips. The revolver was shipped on November 14, 1906 and delivered to von Lengerke & Detmold of New York City. This was
a single gun shipment. Colt manufactured a total of 976 Bisley Flattop Target Model revolvers and only 97 of these revolvers were chambered
for the .45 Colt cartridge. Bisley Flattop Target model revolvers fitted with checkered walnut grips are very rare.
CONDITION: Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus of the
bright original high polish blue finish. There is light finish wear
on the left side of the barrel at the muzzle, on the front edge
of the ejector housing and on the front edges of the cylinder.
The back strap has some minor handling wear but retains most of the original blue finish. The case colors on the hammer are starting to silver but retains 90% of the color casehardened finish. Nearly all of the fiery niter blue finish is present on the frame screws and rear sight; the trigger has 90% of the fire blue finish. All of the markings are crisp. The deluxe walnut grips are excellent with sharp checkering and retain 95% plus
of the original varnish finish. Wear is limited to some very minor finish loss on the grip heels. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This
is an excellent example of a rare Colt Flattop Bisley Model 45 Long Colt Revolver with desirable fleur-de-lis walnut grips, missing from even the most advanced Colt Single Action collections.
Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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