This stunning factory engraved, relief carved pearl stocked Flattop Target Bisley is identified and pictured, including the case and extra cylinder, in R.L. Wilson’s “The Colt Engraving Book, Vol. 1” on page 451, Wilson’s “The Colt Heritage” on pages 192 and 196 (serial number incorrectly listed on page 192), and Wilson and R.E. Hable’s “Colt Pistols” on pages 236-239 . As Wilson states, this Bisley “is considered the finest of its type to have left the Colt plant.” Based on Wilson’s count “less than ten of the Flattop [Bisley] model were engraved” (see “The Colt Engraving Book, Vol 1,” page 451) and only 62 of the Flattop Bisley model were chambered in .44 Russian (see “The Book of Colt Firearms,” page 252). You are certainly looking at a rarity in Colt collecting! The factory letter indicates the revolver was shipped on October 23, 1914 as a single gun shipment to New York Sporting Goods Co. of New York City with a 7 ½ inch barrel in .44 S&W Special, blue finish, factory level “2” engraving and pearl stocks carved with eagle motif. The factory silver Rampant Colt medallion pearl grips feature an attractive relief carved eagle head on the right panel. As noted by Wilson, factory relief carved grips are rare with those encountered generally featuring a steer head motif. The eagle motif on this grip set is especially rare. The revolver features a gold plated cylinder, hammer, trigger and front sight, leaving the remaining surfaces blued. The right side of the trigger guard is stamped with a Colt factory six pointed star indicating the revolver was returned to the factory at a later date for some type of work. Wilson proposed that the revolver was returned for gold plating and proper fitting of the extra cylinder. The writer agrees with this assessment. The elaborate and exquisite level 2 or “B” coverage engraving stands as a masterpiece by Colt’s longest tenured master engraver Cuno A. Helfricht and consists mainly of impressive Helfricht style scroll patterns backed by punch dots along with zig-zag lines, entwining lines and floral accents. The extra cylinder is engraved to match, is blued and stamped with the number “7” along with an illegible marking on the front face. As originally intended, the gold cylinder was for show and the extra blued cylinder was for shooting. The engraving and finishing are undoubtedly a mark of Colt’s highest quality of craftsmanship of the early 20th century. The left side of the barrel is marked “(Bisley Model) 44 RUSSIAN CTG.” inside a banner, and the top of the barrel has the one-line Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the two-line, three patent dates marking inside a banner along with an encircled Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and factory inspection number “1.” The face of the trigger and the back strap are checkered. The assembly number “2” is on the loading gate and rear of the frame. Many special order Colt's have low assembly numbers. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap and gold plated cylinder (“6568”). The oak Colt London partitioned case lined in red felt contains a cartridge block holding 33 rounds, cleaning rod with brush attachment, and James Dixon & Sons oiler. The interior of the case lid features a Colt London paper label, and the exterior of the lid has a blank brass inscription disk with knurled border. These revolvers were designed as the premium Colt target revolver of the day with a redesigned grip frame which provided a better grip angle for competitive target shooting. The term Bisley refers to the Bisley range in England. This factory engraved, blue and gold finished Bisley target model with carved eagle pearl stocks would have certainly made a grand statement at any match. Provenance: The Robert M. Lee Collection

Excellent, retaining 98% plus original blue finish showing only minimal minor handling marks. The front sight, hammer, cylinder and trigger retain 90% plus of the original factory gold plating. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also excellent with minimal handling marks, crisp carving and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The extra cylinder retains nearly all original blue finish and has a crisp engraving. The case is fine with minor handling/storage marks and some typical high spot wear. All of the label remains and is clearly legible. A fantastic example of one of the rarest, well-documented factory engraved Flattop Bisley Target models that is a must have for the serious Colt collector.