OB - EXCELLENT- all original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal; unmarred wood.

PRF - PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED

Manufactured in 1899. Colt only manufactured 976 Colt Bisley Flattop Target Revolvers and only 196 were chambered for the .455 Eley cartridge. This consecutive pair is pictured in their mahogany case on page 270 of The Book of Colt Firearms by R. L. Wilson and identified as having been part of the Sutherland Collection. These revolvers are marked with the one-line Hartford address on top of the barrel. The left side is marked "(BISLEY MODEL) 455 ELEY." and the left side of the frame is marked with the two-line, three patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The right side of the frame is marked "NOT ENGLISH MAKE" in a zigzag bordered box. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The bottom of the barrel just ahead of the cylinder pin is marked with "Crown/V" and "Crown/GP" proofmarks. The left side of the frame ahead of the cylinder on this gun is marked with a "Crown/V" proof. The two proofs are stamped in alternating cylinder flutes. Adjustable blade front sight (fixed on gun "B") and a V-notch drift adjustable rear sight on both revolvers. Distinctive wide hammer and humpback grip profile. Blue finish with polished hammer sides, checkered trigger and fitted with checkered hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt in an oval at the top. The pair are complete with a wooden English case with brass shield inset in the lid and green felt lining. The inside of the lid has an affixed label that reads "J. BEATTIE & Co/104, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET,/LONDON. E.C./GUN, RIFLE & PISTOL MANUFACTURERS,/SPECIALTIES IN HAMMERLESS GUNS AND EXPRESS RIFLES/ALSO SELF EXTRACTING AND OTHER REVOLVERS/CONTRACTORS FOR MILITARY ARMS. THE TRADE SUPPLIED". The case has 7 compartments (three have wooden lids) and a 24 round bullet block with 24 rounds of D.C. Co. 455 Colt cartridges. In the case is a key and wooden handled metal cleaning rod.

OB - EXCELLENT- all original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal; unmarred wood.

PRF - PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED

Described in "A". The front sight is a period replacement without removable blade.