Manufactured in 1896. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44 S&W caliber, blue finish and hard rubber stocks when shipped as one unit to Colt's San Francisco Agency on October 25, 1897. Not only are Colt Bisley Flattop Target Revolvers rare with only 976 manufactured, but this particular one is even more scarce in that it is chambered for the 44 S & W cartridge with only 64 produced. The side of the barrel is marked, "(Bisley Model) FOR 44 S & W CTG." It is a wonder that Colt would even think of advertising it's competitor's name, S & W! The one-line Hartford address is stamped on top of the barrel. The left side of the frame is stamped with the two-line, three patent dates marking followed by a circled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Both grips are numbered to the gun ("4261"). The front sight is an elevation adjustable, removable blade with the rear sight dovetailed into the top strap. All blue finish and fitted with checkered hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt in an oval at the top.

Very fine, retaining 75% plus original blue finish with the balance thinning to a brown mixed and a few patches of pitting. The grips are also very fine with minimal minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. The action functions but needs work (hammer only has 3 clicks). A scarce antique Bisley Flattop Target .44 S&W Revolver missing from even the most advanced Colt collections.