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  • /Lot 267

Lot 267:Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target .44 S&W Revolver

June 5th, 2020|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 267

Lot 267:Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target .44 S&W Revolver

June 5th, 2020|Rock Island, IL
Estimated Price$40,000 - $60,000
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Very Fine, Highly Desirable Antique Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target Revolver in Scarce .44 S&W Caliber with Rare Factory Elongated Walnut Target Grips and Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1898. The accompanying factory letter addressed to noted firearms dealer and expert Herb Glass, Sr. states that records for this revolver were not found but two flattop revolvers in close serial number proximity (175005 and 175006) were listed with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44 S&W, blue finish, "extra long" checkered wood grips, and flattop frame when sold and shipped to John R. Hegeman (address unknown) on May 10, 1898 and December 23, 1898 (sic). John R. Hegeman, Jr. (1872-1923) was a noted pioneering Colt collector who had great connections within the Colt company that afforded him the opportunity to own many pre-production prototype and serial number 1 guns. As one Colt researcher put it, "He assembled the finest Colt collection known outside of the factory's own holdings." Many of his Colts ended up in some of the finest gun collections over the years. The features factory documented on serial numbers 175005 and 175006 match the features on this flattop. The accompanying letter from L.C. Jackson of Jackson Arms states the revolver is all original and was purchased by Jackson from Col. Francis W. Parker, Jr., a long time shooter and former NRA president. Jackson believed that Parker "bought the revolver new in the early days of his shooting career." The revolver has the one-line Hartford address on top and "FOR 44 S&W CTG." on the left side. Colt records indicate that 51 Colt Target Model revolvers were chambered for the .44 S&W cartridge. The seldom encountered nicely figured, oversized and diamond checkered pattern walnut factory target grips add to its rarity and desirability. Both grip panels are numbered ("5003") to the gun. The revolver has the distinctive flattop frame with dovetail mounted target rear sight and block-mounted removable nickel silver target front sight. The left side of the frame is stamped with the two-line patent dates marking followed by a circled Rampant Colt. Matching full serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and butt. The revolver correctly has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish.

ConditionVery fine, retaining 80% thinned original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. Half of the blue finish remains on the loading gate and ejector round housing. The grips are also very fine with some minor dings (mostly on the bottom) and crisp checkering overall. The action needs work has the hammer only has three clicks and the cylinder does not lock. A high condition and rare Colt Flattop Target Model Single Action Army .44 S&W Revolver with highly desirable and seldom encountered elongated target grips.
Details
ManufacturerColt
ModelSingle Action Army
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44 S&W
Barrel7 1/2 inch round
Finishblue
Gripwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views2677
Catalog page170
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