Beautiful Example of a Deluxe, Presentation Grade Colt "Old Model" New Service Flattop Target revolver in the desirable 44 S&W Russian revolver cartridge. Based on the serial number of this revolver it was manufactured in late 1900 or early 1901 and it has the 7 1/2 inch barrel with the short two line barrel markings on top of "COLT'S PATENT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING CO. over HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. PAT.AUG.5.1884 JUNE 5.1900." The left side of the barrel is marked with the model and caliber designation: "NEW SERVICE FOR 44 S&W CTG." in one line. The extensive engraving, raised solid gold animal inlays and gold line bordering was performed by Floyd Warren, a well known and prolific Ohio engraver in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The engraving itself is just fantastic and covers approximately 98-99% of all the metal surfaces of the revolver except for the front grip strap which is smooth. The engraving consists of an extensive scroll and vine pattern with deep under cuts on the scrolls with heavy punch dot background shading, with jungle and or wood scenes around the animal inlays, combined with a geometric pattern very similar to that used by Cuno Helfricht. The geometric pattern is so extensive that it even covers the lower frame or strap area under the cylinder and the back sides of the cylinder crane and corresponding frame area. The engraver has highlighted this engraving pattern with a wide gold filled border on the edges of the major components of the revolver, to include but not limited to the ends of the barrel, rear of the cylinder, the flutes of the cylinder, the frame, trigger guard, around all factory markings, inside, around or on top of the geometric patterns. To include backstrap, trigger guard, under side of the barrel and on top of the scroll engraving itself. To top that off the revolver is also covered with 13 solid gold raised deep relief cut animal inlays. These inlays depict most of the large cat family, such as the African lion (both male and female), lynx, bobcat, and mountain lion. The butt of the revolver is also engraved in a script pattern "N.J. Ulam" to whom the pistol was presented. This writer has RARELY seen this extensive amount of engraving and solid gold on a revolver itself, there has to be several ounces overall of gold material by itself. The pistol has a high polish blued finish with deluxe checkered walnut grips in a Fleur-die-Lis pattern. Signed and dated on the right grip frame "F.E. WARREN 1956". The frame has the early straight profile and is not fitted for a lanyard swivel. The ejector rod head is the early pattern with dismounting hole. The revolver has a target rear sight adjustable for windage and a front sight block that is adjustable for elevation and fitted with a blade. The left side of the frame is marked with the Rampant Colt trademark encircled by "+COLT+ / NEW SERVICE" behind the cylinder latch. The top of the barrel is marked in two lines. Consignor indicated that this revolver is the sixth lowest known New Service Target Revolver. The revolver is accompanied with a formal letter (dated Oct 1994) from the engraver to the previous owner with a listing of the then $20,000 purchase price and a series of color pictures as well as a full page newspaper article on Floyd Warren and his engraving career. Certainly a one-of a kind revolver with extensive coverage of engraving and gold inlay.

Near mint as custom embellished with 99% of the blued finish as applied when the engraving was performed. Mechanically excellent.