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LOT 1137
Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Army Revolver in Rare Documented .38-44
S&W Gallery with Case , Factory Letter, and Wilson Letter - Serial no. 185999, 38-44 cal., 7 1/2 inch
round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter states this revolver was the
sole gun of this type shipped May 10, 1901, to Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis, Missouri, care of
Burhrer and Misslehom, in .38-44 S&W caliber, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips
not listed. Colt Bisley Flattop Target revolvers are considered scarce, with only 976 in total reportedly
manufactured, per page 268 of the “The Book of Colt Firearms” by Sutherland and Wilson. This particular
example is rarer in that it is one of only approximately 47 Colt Bisley Flattop Target revolvers chambered
for the .38-44 S&W Gallery cartridge, per page 158 of “The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army”
by David Brown. The revolver has the distinctive Bisley Model features which include the higher frame, humpback grip area, curved
hammer with wide knurled spur, and wide trigger. Features the scarce flattop frame, with a beaded blade target front sight and
dovetail mounted notch rear sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line Hartford legend, with the rare marking
“(BISLEY MODEL) FOR 38-44 S & W CTG.” on the left of the barrel. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the two-line patent
date markings followed by the encircled Rampant Colt trademark. Matching visible full serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard,
and back strap, with matching “999” on the rear face of the cylinder, and assembly number “1052” on the loading gate. Includes
a period hardwood case with Colt London trade label on the interior of the lid and a green felt lined fitted interior with cartridge
block, cleaning rod, and an oiler. The revolver is also accompanied by a signed letter from R.L. Wilson, in which he states, “With its
immensely rare .38 S&W caliber chambering, serial number 185999 Single Action Army Bisley Flattop Model is worthy of the finest
private collection of Colt cartridge firearms.”
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus original blue finish with smooth gray and antiqued brown patina on the recoil shield and cylinder,
some minor pitting, and defined markings. Replacement grips are also fine with a brown appearance, minimal handling marks, and
crisp checkering. Cylinder very slightly out of time; otherwise, mechanically functions. Case is very good with general storage wear.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 8,000 - 13,000
According to "The 36 Calibers of
the Colt Single Action Army" by
Brown, only 47 Colt Bisley Model
Flattop Single Action Revolvers
were produced in .38-44.