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LOT 3125
Exceptional Factory Cased Colt London Flattop Target Model Single Action Army Revolver in .450 Eley Caliber with Factory Letter - Serial no. 132700, 450 Eley cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1890. The Colt Single Action Army Flattop revolver is one of the most highly sought after models of Colt revolver by collectors. Colt only produced
925, and of those only made 84 in the 450 Eley caliber according to David Brown in “The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army”, making this Flattop Target Model very rare. Adding to the
rarity of this revolver is the fact that only a few had the London address on the barrel. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’ S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14 PALL
MALL LONDON”. The left side is marked “ 450 ELEY.” and the three-line, three patent dates are marked on the left side of the frame. There is no Rampant Colt present. British
proofs are present on the underside of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin, and similar markings are on the cylinder flutes. The revolver is fitted with checkered
hard rubber Rampant Colt/American Eagle relief grips. The revolver is all blue finished. All serial numbers match. The accompanying factory letter dated
February 3, 1960, states that the page with the information listing the shipment of 24 Single Action Army Target Models to the Colt London
Agency on about April 17, 1890, has the end torn off so that some of the serial number is absent; however, one of the 24 shipped
had the serial number “1327_ _” having the last two numbers torn away. The 24 shipped were listed as having a 7 1/2 inch
barrel, rubber stocks, and blue finish. Although it cannot be verified, the letter states that they feel certain that
serial number 132700 was one of the 24 shipped that day. The revolver is complete in a very nice
oak case with brass disk on the lid and red felt lining, with a label affixed to the
inside of the lid that read, “Colts Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co/
14 Pall Mall. S.W./ London. The case has three compartments
and a 33 round bullet block, (with
bullets). Also in the case is a
James Dixon oiler.
CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. The revolver retains 70% bright
original high polish blue finish with scattered areas of flaking, a mix of
original blue finish and smooth plum patina, several scratches on the
underside of the barrel, and some areas of very fine pitting. The grips
are excellent. The left panel has faded to brown, and they show minimal
wear with very crisp checkering. The markings remain crisp and clear.
Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some minor scratches
on the exterior with fine original label.
Provenance: The Gateway Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
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