This is a very rare set of Colt Bisley Flattop Target models, both chambered in the highly desirable 38 Colt cartridge that are housed in an original Colt Leather carrying case with the case and both revolvers inscribed to James J. Goodbody, a one time employee with the Colt factory. This lot also includes a factory letter on each pistol along with a stack of correspondence compiled by the consignor trying to document the ownership of these two rare pistols. The factory letter verifies the configuration of this pistol and lists it as being shipped to J.B. Crook & Co. New York, NY., as one of two guns in that shipment. The inscription on the back strap is a very simple non-script, serif lettering that reads; "James J. Goodbody", however the factory letter does not mention the inscription. The engraving on both revolvers was professionally done and is identical on both, which still may indicate it was later done through the factory after the pistols were purchased, but on a special request basis by Mr. Goodbody, or by a professional engraver such that was available in the high end jewelry stores of New York. Some background on James J. Goodbody from the documentation suggests that he was a top pistol shooter in the later 1880s and early 1900s having shot at the Bisley Matches in England. Accompanying this lot is a picture of Mr. Goodbody along with other top shooters outside the Colt Factory tent in Bisley England circa 1903. Documentation with the pistol also indicates that he was employed by the Colt factory for several years in the circa 1902-1910 timeframe which could account for him being at Bisley outside the Colt Tent and which may indicate how he came to have his name engraved on the pistols with no factory documentation. The Colt Bisley Flattop revolvers were manufactured between 1899-1913 and had two unique features; 1) an elongated pistol grip area; which prevent the pistol from riding up in the hand while shooting like the SAA did and 2) a redesigned/lowered hammer spur, which made it easier to cock the pistol with minimal hand movement. This specific pistol is also chambered in the 38 Colt which was again designed specifically for target shooting and was one of the more popular Colt cartridges of the day also being chambered in the U.S. Army Model 1894 revolver. The barrel is roll-stamped in one line on top "COLT'S P.T. FA. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." with the left side marked "(BISLEY MODEL) 38 COLT". The left side of the frame is marked with the "two-line/three patent" date markings followed by the circled Rampant Colt trademark. It has a very unusual almost custom or one of a kind target rear sight that had the notch milled out to form a pointer type aperture with a single white line sighting bar on each side to aid locating the front sight. This sight was dovetailed into the top strap and is adjustable for windage only with the front sight being a German silver blade front sight. The revolver has a high polish blue finish with niter blue trigger, action screws, and cross-pin with a color casehardened hammer. It is fitted with the hard rubber two-piece brown grips with impressed checkering and the Rampant Colt trademark in an oval at the top of each grip panel. The full serial number "243112" is visible on the frame, trigger guard and back strap with the last four digits of the serial number "3112" correctly scribed on the backside of the left grip. The case that these pistols are housed in is approximately 9 X 17 inches and has a hard dark brown leather cover that has a maroon felt interior with 7 interior compartments; 2 for the pistols, 2 for the silver oiler bottles (also included), 1 for the cleaning rod and 1 for various accessories. There is a 1 1/2 X 4 1/2 inch brass plate riveted to the top of the lid that reads "COLTS PT. FA.MFG Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A./1903/---REPRESENTATIVE---/James J. Goodbody". It is reported that a total of approximately 976 Bisley Flattop pistols were manufactured.

Excellent condition with 95% of the original blue finish overall with wear and blue loss on the edges and high spots with a light drag line on the cylinder with thinning blue and brown patina on the grip straps. The grips are very fine with nice original checkering and markings on both sides with no handling marks anywhere. As noted this desirable pistol has matching numbers. The leather case as described is in fine plus condition with handling marks and scratches on the lid, sides and underside from general handling and use with tight stitching overall. As noted this lot comes with two factory letters, one on each pistol with several letters and correspondence from the consignor, trying to document the history of these two revolvers.

This pistol is the same as the "A" gun and is also accompanied by a Colt factory letter verifying the configuration of this pistol, except it lists this pistol as being sold to "George Porterfield" and was shipped to Tufts-Lyon Arms Company Los Angeles California on May 1904 as a one gun shipment. This revolver as discussed has the same exact inscription on the back strap, in the same exact pattern that reads; "James J. Goodbody". This specific pistol is also chambered in the 38 Colt and is marked with the same factory markings and it has the standard front and rear sight that is typically found on Bisley Flattop target revolvers. The revolver has a high polish blue finish with niter blue trigger, action screws, and cross-pin with a color casehardened hammer. The full serial number "250068" is visible on the frame, trigger guard and back strap with the backside of the right grip scribed with the initials "J.G.", which is also on the "A" gun.

Fine condition with 60% plus of the original blue finish overall with wear on the edges and high spots with finish loss on the muzzle, ejector housing, recoil shield and grip straps with a distinct drag line on the cylinder. The grips are fine with nice checkering on both sides, showing wear across the tops of the checkering. Evidently Mr. Goodbody either purchased this pistol before the other one or distinctly liked this one better as it has seen slightly more use than the other one, however it still has a tight action with a crisp trigger pull. Mechanically fine. A very unique set of cased Colt Bisley Flattop Target revolvers.