Offered here is an exceptional antique black powder frame Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target Revolver that letters in .450 Eley, a desirable caliber that has bemused Colt collectors for decades. In "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1872-1895" on page 46 the authors write, “An interesting fact became evident when comparing listings in the Colt ledgers with copies of the actual invoices found in the Connecticut State Library. The designation ‘Eley’ or ‘Boxer’ was used interchangeably. Revolvers listed in .45 Eley in the record ledger may be listed on the shipping invoice as .45 Boxer and vice versa.” The authors accounted for a total of 275 SAA .450 Boxer/Eley Flattop Target Revolvers falling in the 1-164100 serial number range and out of the 275 units 230 had a blue finish and 7 ½ inch barrel like this example (page 405). In the 1880s the .450 became a popular short range target cartridge. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .450 Eley and blue finish with type of stocks not listed when shipped to Colt’s London Agency on December 11, 1891. This was a 6 gun shipment. It features a barrel with the one-line Colt Pall Mall, London address on top and “450 ELEY” on the left side, a frame with the standard two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt, target sights, London proofs on the underside of the barrel and behind each cylinder flute, and matching full serial number on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number “10.” The revolver wears a set of checkered hard rubber grips featuring a Rampant Colt inside an oval at the tops. The rare correct original partitioned factory case features a Colt Pall Mall, London paper label on the interior of the lid, blank brass inscription disc on the exterior of the lid, and a cartridge block holding a full count of 33 rounds of Kynoch .450. The case contains the following accessories: James Dixon & Sons oiler, cleaning rod with three attachments, case key, “L” shaped combination tool, and screwdriver. Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection

Excellent plus, retaining 97% bright original high polish blue finish with some extremely minor specks of brown visible on the cylinder. The grips are also excellent plus with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is excellent with minor handling/storage marks, minimal high spot wear on the lining, and a clear Colt London label. A superb example of a cased Colt Single Action Flattop Target Revolver in .450 Eley that will be a standout piece even in the most advanced SAA collections. Writer doubts if a finer example exists!