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  • Auction Catalog #4090
  • Lot #140
Lot #139
Lot #141

Lot 140: Pair of Colt New Service Flattop Target Revolvers in .455 Eley

Pair of Colt New Service Flattop Double Action Target Revolvers in 455 Eley in a Fitted Colt Pall Mall London Case with British Proof Marks

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Lot 140: Pair of Colt New Service Flattop Target Revolvers in .455 Eley

Pair of Colt New Service Flattop Double Action Target Revolvers in 455 Eley in a Fitted Colt Pall Mall London Case with British Proof Marks

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Estimated Price: $5,500 - $8,500

A) Colt New Service Flattop Target Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: New Service
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 455 Eley
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1424
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 120
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This is a beautiful pair of Colt New Service Flattop Target revolvers in .455 Eley with full British proofmarks in a fitted carrying case with the rare Colt Pall Mall, London address inside. These pistols are serial numbered 21946 and 21951 and were originally owned by the late Val Forgett of Navy Arms fame. They were shipped to England as indicated by the full British import/firing proofs of the London proof house on the left rear section of the barrels, the frames (in the same area), and again on each of the cylinder flutes. The top of the barrels are marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG.CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A./PAT'D. AUG.5.1884. JUNE 5 1900, JULY 4.1905.", and the left side of each barrel is marked with the designation: "NEW SERVICE 455 ELEY". Gun "B" is proof marked for 6 tons. The frames are the later Flattop Target style with the stylized Rampant Colt inside the stylized "C" markings on the side plate behind the cylinder latch of each revolver. Gun A has a "S" stamp on the left side of the frame above the "VP" proofmark on the trigger guard. The full serial numbers are located on the inside of the frames and the inside of the cylinder cranes, and the back of each grip panel is marked with a full serial number in pencil (which would be the correct factory style at this time) but do not match the revolvers. These revolvers have the earlier Colt high polish commercial blue finish with the scarce fully checkered walnut grips in a fleur-de-lis pattern with no Colt medallions. They are fitted with the factory target sights adjustable for elevation and windage, and the grip straps, trigger face, and hammer spur are hand checkered. They are housed in an original Colt canvas and leather bound case with the label noted above inside the lid. The case has compartments for the two revolvers, cleaning equipment, and accessories.

Rating Definition:

Fine overall with 75% plus of the original Colt high polish blue finish showing wear on the front and rear grip straps and some loss on the bottom of the trigger guard. This pistol exhibits the typical light surfaces scratches and edge and high spot wear overall from handling. The grips are in near excellent condition with nice checkering and minor handling marks. The case is very good with wear and staining overall. The label is complete. Mechanically excellent.



B) Colt New Service Flattop Target Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: New Service
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 455 Eley
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1424
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 120
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Described in A.

Rating Definition:

Fine overall with 70% of its original Colt blue finish. There is more finish on the front and rear grip straps and rear section of the frame and more flaking and browning on the sides of the barrel and one side of the cylinder from handling and/or sitting in the case along with a light cylinder drag line. The grips are very good and have nice checkering with minor pressure dents and dings on both sides. Mechanically excellent. This is a very nice attractive pair of Colt New Service Flattop Target revolvers in a rare Colt Pall Mall addressed case.



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