This Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Revolver was manufactured in 1904. Only approximately 976 Bisley Flattop Target Model revolvers were manufactured; surviving examples are scarce in any condition. The revolver is chambered for the .38-40 W.C.F. cartridge with a 7.5-inch barrel, distinctive Bisley target grip with hard rubber stocks, special, "flattop" frame with a dove-tailed, target rear sight and front sight with German Silver blade. The revolver has the special oversized trigger and checkered, target hammer. The black, checkered hard rubber grips have the rampant Colt trademark in an oval at the top of the grip. The revolver has a full blue finish. The top of the barrel has Colt's standard: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." address. The left side of the barrel is marked: "(BISLEY MODEL) 38 W.C.F." in one line. The left side of the frame has the Colt two-line, three date patent markings. The serial number is located on the bottom of the frame, barrel, trigger guard and back strap. All the serial numbers match. The included Colt factory letter states that the revolver was blued, chambered in .32/20 WCF, with a 7-1/2 inch barrel and was shipped from Colt to the Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri on January 26, 1904. There is an extremely small "o" mark on the right rear trigger guard which could explain the caliber discrepancy. The writer believes this to be a factory rework mark and that would make perfect sense as the revolver is all factory and is original finish.

Very good plus. The revolver retains 30% plus of the original blue finish. The high-contact portions of the revolver have a brown patina. There is some light pitting on the cylinder and the upper portions of the frame. The grips are good; the checkered surfaces are worn and the grips have faded to brown. All markings are sharp. The action is very crisp although the hammer does not hold at half-cock. An attractive, fully documented and very scarce Bisley Flattop Target Model Revolver.