This is a beautiful example of a late 20th century masterfully engraved and gold inlaid Colt Double Action New Service Target Revolver that was manufactured in 1900. The factory letter indicates it was shipped by itself in the current base configuration (grips not listed) on August 22, 1900, to M. Hartley & Company (formerly Schuyler, Hartley & Graham). The engraving on this revolver covers 95% of the metal surface with the only areas not engraved being the front grip strap and inside the trigger guard bow. The engraving is an extremely deep relief vine and floral pattern, geometric designed borders, and an extremely fine punch dot background in some areas. The floral pattern has been highlighted with gold wire inlays as well as gold line border around all the edges, side of the pistol frame, the top strap the front and rear edges of the cylinder, the trigger guard bow, and a double line on the front and rear ends of the barrel. The back strap has also been engraved in a gold filled zig-zag or cross-hatch pattern. If that’s not enough it has also been inlayed with thirteen gold animal inlays all over the revolver, that compliment the other art work. The gold inlays consist of three bobcats; one on each side of the frame and one on the top strap fending off a hunting dog, two mountain lions on the right side of the frame and one African lion on the left side of the frame, with a game animal on each chamber area of the cylinder. Many of the various animals are contained in some type of woodland or jungle background scene that also show great detail. Additionally, there is a double gold inlayed band on the rear of the cylinder, with a gold border all around the chamber and flutes. The underside of the grip has also been engraved in script pattern with the name: "N.J. Ulam", who may have been either the engraver or previous owner who commissioned the engraving and inlay work. It has the early style, two-line Hartford address with 1884 and 1900 patent dates. The left side of the barrel is marked "NEW SERVICE FOR 44 S&W CTG." The Rampant Colt trademark encircled by "COLT'S/NEW SERVICE" is located on the left rear of the frame behind the cylinder latch. The matching serial number (5016) is stamped on the inside of the frame and crane. The revolver has the early windage adjustable rear sight and elevation adjustable bead front sight. The revolver has the high polish blue finish with niter blue trigger and casehardened hammer. It has been fitted with a beautiful set of dark American walnut grips with a checkered diamond pattern on each grip.

Very fine as masterfully embellished with 99% of the blue finish. The markings are clear and distinct and the gold inlays are all intact. The grips are in fine condition with nice distinct checkering on both sides. Mechanically excellent. An absolutely beautiful example of a highly embellished and engraved Colt New Service Target Revolver.