Offered here is an antique black powder Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target Revolver that letters with extended grips and in .450 Eley, a desirable caliber that has bemused Colt collectors for decades. In "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1872-1895" on page 46 the authors write, “An interesting fact became evident when comparing listings in the Colt ledgers with copies of the actual invoices found in the Connecticut State Library. The designation ‘Eley’ or ‘Boxer’ was used interchangeably. Revolvers listed in .45 Eley in the record ledger may be listed on the shipping invoice as .45 Boxer and vice versa.” The authors accounted for a total of 275 SAA .450 Boxer/Eley Flattop Target Revolvers falling in the 1-164100 serial number range and out of the 275 units 230 had a blue finish and 7 ½ inch barrel like this example (page 405). In the 1880s the .450 became a popular short range target cartridge. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Colt's London Agency, London, England, in June 1892 with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .450 caliber, blue finish, and "extra long wood stocks." This as a single gun shipment. It features a barrel with the one-line Colt Pall Mall, London address on top and “450 ELEY” on the left side, a frame with the standard two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt, target sights, London proofs on the underside of the barrel and behind each cylinder flute, and matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Each of the special order extended grip panels are numbered to the gun. The factory fitted extended grip on these Target SAAs was the predecessor to the Bisley Target Revolvers. The rare partitioned case has a J.H. Crane of London trade label on the interior of the lid and a blank brass inscription circular plaque on the exterior of the lid. The case contains a cartridge block holding 36.450 Eley cartridges, screwdriver, oiler, muzzle protector, case key, and cleaning rod with brush attachment. This is a special period case as it is designed to accommodate the elongated grip. This type of case is extremely rare. Provenance: The TTT Collection

Fine, retaining 60% plus original blue finish with a pleasing smooth brown patina on the balance. The grips are very fine with a number of dings on the bottom and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with a short crack at the key hole escutcheon, minor handling/storage marks, soiled but legible retailer label, and typical high spot wear on the lining. An extremely rare example of an elongated grip, London retailer cased Colt London Single Action Flattop Target Revolver for the serious SAA collector.