This is just a stunning pair of very early all original Colt New Service Flattop Target Revolvers that are fully documented as having been originally sold as a pair to M. Hartley Company, New York, NY. Both of these pistols are exceptional early production models and could very well be one of the first, if not the very first, flattop target pistols sold as a pair! In the book "New Service Revolvers" by Murphy, he notes that the earliest Colt flattop target model surveyed was serial number 4570 which would put these two just slightly over 100 numbers higher. These two revolvers have so much going for them it would be well worth any collector of Colt New Service revolvers to come and just see them. As noted, this pair is accompanied with a Colt factory letter dated March 1976 detailing and verifying that these were sold as a pair in June 1900. In comparing these two pistols, it is clear that the first pistol (SN 4687) is somewhat of a transition version with a few different features but each pistol still retains 99% of the original blue finish. Each revolver has the old style frames, both are correct flattop target models, they are both chambered in "44 S&W CTG." using the early OLD style markings (not 44 Russian). Each also has the correct, very rare and very early style of "Fleur-De-Lis" hand checkered factory walnut grips that have been masterfully done. The pistols are serial numbered 4687 and 4694, each has the 7 1/2 inch round barrel with uniquely different styles or types of barrel markings on top. Again this clearly shows a transition point in the manufacture of these New Service pistols. Serial number 4687 is marked on top with the early style, two-line address and patent markings of; "PATENTS PENDING" (space) "COLT'S PATENT FIREARMS MFG Co over HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A.--- PAT.AUG.5.1884", while the later pistol (SN 4694) is marked; "COLT'S PATENT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING CO. (over) HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. AUG.5.1884 JUNE.5.1900.", note that this new patent date is the same month as these were sold! The left side of the barrel is marked: "NEW SERVICE FOR 44 S&W CTG." in one line. The side plate also has the early style markings which consists of the Colt Rampant Horse logo encircled by "COLT'S NEW SERVICE" behind the cylinder latch. Neither pistol has the Colt "VP" proof and each pistol is correctly numbered on the side of the frame with the corresponding and matching serial number on the crane. Each revolver has the standard bead front sight blade that is adjustable for elevation with the blade rear sight on the flattop frame that is adjustable for windage only. These revolvers have a desirable high polish commercial blue finish with heat blued trigger, action screws and top of the hammer with the polished sides. Normally these flattop target revolvers have hand checkered grips straps, and trigger faces; however the first revolver actually has all smooth (unsecured) grip straps that retain 99.9% of the original high polish commercial Colt blued finish, again documenting a transition point in the manufacture of these pistols, while the second revolver has the traditional hand checkered grip straps. Clearly indicating that between these two pistols, 7 numbers apart, Colt transitioned to the hand checkered back straps. As noted the grips on each pistol, (although not noted in the factory letter) are the 100% correct early versions with the scalloped hand checkered Fleur-De-Lis pattern and each is near new with meticulous checkering. Both grip sets are correctly numbered (in pencil) underneath of each one. Both pistols are housed in a beautiful mahogany double case with a cream colored felt liner that was made by the M. Hartley Company of New York as there is a small makers label in the lower right hand corner of the lid. The case has three mahogany topped storage compartments at the bottom with moveable dividers. The left compartment houses two Colt pull-through cleaning thongs, with jags and bore brushes with a small screw driver. The middle compartment houses an original box of WINCHESTER, "44 Smith and Wesson, RUSSIAN smokeless cartridges that is still FULL of original Winchester ammo. The right compartment houses an unused nickel plate "Perfect" Pocket Oilier with the original paper wrapping and advertisement.

Excellent plus, with approximately 99.5% of the bright original Colt factory high polish blue finish. The only wear point that we can see is a slight drag line on the cylinder. The grips are both excellent plus with super sharp all original checkering. The only noticeable wear is that one grip has a very small nick on the top of one checkered diamond. They look as good as the day they left the factory. The breach face of each cylinder is free of any firing marks or wear and the breech end of each barrel in the forcing cone and throat areas shows no firing marks with some blue finish still showing through. It is our opinion that the cylinder drag line is strictly from very limited dry firing over the years. The case is in exceptional condition except there is a old age crack running across the lid on the lower panel. This is certainly the best early cased set of Colt New Service revolvers that we have ever seen. These early Colt cased sets are virtually impossible to even find and it would be literally impossible to improve or upgrade on them. Just a superb set for the truly advanced Colt Collector.

Described in A.