This is an example of a rare Colt prototype "Flattop" single action revolver. This pistol is accompanied by a typed and notarized letter detailing the background of this pistol and how it was acquired in 1957 from Joe Bodrie, a Colt exhibition shooter during this time, who acquired it directly from Colt while he was employed there. The letter goes on to say that when the original owner acquired the frame, back strap, trigger guard and cylinder they were "in the white". The frame itself is in an "Unknown Flattop" frame configuration and a "Green" configuration indicating that it was machined (but unpolished, not marked, proofed or serial numbered) as well as the rest of the parts; the pistol does not have a loading gate and was never fitted for one. The rear of the cylinder is numbered "24". The original owner goes on to say that he then had the various major components assembled into a complete functioning pistol (barrel, ejector tube, ejector rod, grips and internal parts). This pistol is also accompanied by numerous letters and documents that describe the attempts by the previous owner to have Colt fit a correct front sight on the barrel, to which Colt turned over the pistol to the ATF (then the ATTD, Alcohol & Tobacco Tax Division) because it had no serial number. It took several weeks to finally have the pistol returned. This exact pistol and the various letters from the previous owner are pictured in complete detail in the book "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army" by David Brown. The only markings on the entire pistol are on the barrel itself, which appears to be a second or third generation configuration. The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." and the left side is marked "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45". A unique opportunity to acquire a one-of-a-kind Colt Flattop revolver. Formerly of the Bill Powell Estate.

Very fine (never finished) overall with all metal surfaces still in the white having taken on a dull aged patina with most of the surface showing the heavy machine and profiling marks left from the original production of the pistol. The later production replacement barrel has a smoother finish and has had the bluing removed to be consistent with the rest of the pistol. The later production replacement grips are both in fine condition.