This Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model revolver with Colt factory letter states the revolver was sold and shipped to the Colt London Agency on February 26, 1895. The letter describes the revolver as "Flat Top (Target)", caliber "455" with "Blue" finish and "Wood" stocks. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The trigger, top of the hammer, rear sight and frame screws are niter blue. The two piece over-size walnut grip has a varnish finish. 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 blue steel blade, (3) Bisley 'Humpback' grip and back strap, (4) curved wide hammer with knurled spur and (5) curved, wide trigger with checkered face. The back strap is fitted with a lanyard swivel. 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: "455 ELEY". The caliber designation "45" and "V" are 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 circled Rampant Colt trademark. The assembly number "15" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. A "O" inspection mark is stamped in the hammer slot and "L' is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. London "Crown/V" and "Crown C/P" proof and inspection marks are stamped in each cylinder flute and on the underside of the barrel. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "08/95" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is accompanied by a letter that explains that this is a "PRE-BISLEY" revolver that was identified as "Target Revolver-1895 Model" in the 1895 Holland & Holland catalogue. The barrel significantly lacks "BISLEY MODEL" markings. A total of 196 Bisley Target Model revolvers were chambered for the .455 Eley cartridge. The revolver is contained in a leather luggage-type case with two leather straps that secure the lid. The owner's name "J.D. BIRCHALL." is stamped on the case lid. The case is lined in crimson felt and has six compartments including a 27-round cartridge block with seven cartridges. In addition to the cartridges the case contains: (1) a key, (2) L-shaped screw-driver and (3) steel cleaning rod with knurled brass head. A trade label "EDWINSON GREEN & SONS/GLOUCESTER" is attached to the inside of the lid. Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus of the original high polish blue finish. 'Feathered' polishing marks are visible on either side of the front sight blocks. There is some light edge wear on the ejector housing and the finish on the top strap and back strap is thin. There is some very minor pitting on the barrel at the muzzle and one small spot of pitting on the side of the ejector housing. There is one small pitted area and some scattered age discoloration on the cylinder. The rear sight, top of the hammer and sides of the trigger have most of the fiery niter blue finish. All of the markings are sharp. The grips are also excellent with nearly all of the original varnish and minor handling wear. Mechanically excellent. The exterior of the leather case is very good with flaking and flexing on the straps. The case interior and accouterments are fine. This is an excellent example of a scarce London Agency Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Revolver.