Page 220 - 83-BOOK1

LOT 1272
Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target Model Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 127734, 32 cal., 7 1/2 inch round
bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1888, the first year
the Flattop Target revolver was introduced. Only 925 of these revolvers (in all calibers combined) were manufactured between 1888 and 1896,
therefore are highly regarded and sought after by collectors. Even rarer is the fact that only 93 flattops were chambered in the various .32 caliber. These Flattop Target revolvers predominantly fell into the serial number range of 127000 to 163000. Not
only rare, these revolvers were a very attractive and well finished variation, finished in all high polished nickel finish. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT.
U.S.A.” with the three line, three patent dates on the lower left side of the frame and
“32 CAL” on the upper left front of the trigger guard bow. Matching serial number
on the frame, trigger guard and back strap, and the loading gate is marked with the assembly number “8”. Pinned blade front sight and standard dovetailed rear “U” notch target sight. Fitted with checkered Rampant Colt American Eagle relief grips.
The accompanying factory letter, dated June 3, 1958, verifies the Flattop configuration, 7 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, hard rubber grips, 32 caliber and that it was shipped with 4 other .32 caliber flattops to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., Chicago, Illinois on October 12, 1888.
CONDITION: Fine. The revolver retains 97% period replated nickel finish with some wear on the muzzle and
front edges of the cylinder. There is some minor pitting present under the plated finish. There is some minor spotting on the recoil shield and overall minor scratches and handling marks. The grips are very fine with a few minor dings and crisp checkering. Markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
Collector’s Fact
Of the 925 Colt Flattop Single Action Target revolvers manufactured, only 93 were produced in various .32 calibers.
LOT 1273
Scarce Cased Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single
Collector’s Fact
This Colt Bisley revolver was awarded the CCA”Best of Show” in 2010. The prize was the CCA Rampant Colt bronze statue in the next lot.
Collector’s Fact
Of the 976 Colt Bisley Flattop Target revolvers manufactured, only 196 were produced in .455 Eley.
Action Army Revolver in .455 Eley Caliber - Serial no. 205181, 455 eley
cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard
rubber grips. Manufactured in 1901. This is
one of 976 Colt Bisley Flattop Target Revolvers
manufactured and one of only 196 chambered
for the .455 Eley cartridge per R.L. Wilson in
“The Book of Firearms.”The barrel has the one-
line Hartford address on top and the model/
caliber designation on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a circled Rampant
Colt. London proofs are stamped on the barrel and cylinder.
Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard,
and back strap. It has the correct all blue finish, a checkered
trigger, a fixed raised blade front sight, and a V-notch drift
adjustable rear sight. Includes a leather bound case containing a unique James Dixon & Sons .455 caliber brass reloading tool featuring leather cover handles, four .455 Eley cartridges, glass oiler, muzzle cover, bore brush, screwdriver, and cleaning rod. The interior of the lid has a paper Colt London Agency label. This Bisley was awarded the Colt Collectors Association “Best of Show” at the 2010 Tulsa show, which earned collector Charles Ford a presentation Rampant Colt statue. See the next lot for the exact Colt Collectors Association Best of Show Rampant Colt statue awarded to this Bisley at the 2010 Tulsa show.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% original blue finish with some high edge wear, some thinning to brown on the grip straps and a spot of deep pitting on the front of the ejector rod housing. 97% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are also excellent with minimal handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with minor handling/storage marks, some insect damage to lining and legible stained label.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 1274
Colt Collector’s Association Rampant
Colt Bronze
Statue by
Thomas
Palmerton
- Whether
it came from
the Colt family coat
of arms or from the
tale of Alexander
the Great’s horse,
Bucephalus, the image
of the rearing colt with two pieces
of a broken lance in his front
legs and mouth has
become synonymous
with Colt firearms. This
bronze by Thomas
Palmerton pays homage
to that legendary logo
in a life-like form, standing
atop the famous Colt dome. The
bronze is presented on a wooden plinth with a plaque for Charles Ford winning Colt Collectors Association “Best of Show” at the 2010 Tulsa
show. The base is approximately 9 7/8 inches in diameter and it stands approximately 16 1/2 inches tall to the top of the horses head. This
Colt Collectors Association 2010 Best of Show Rampant Colt statue was presented to Charles Ford for his Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model .455 Eley Revolver no. 205181. See the previous lot for this exact Bisley.
CONDITION: Excellent, showing mostly an attractive antique bronze patina overall and minimal handling evidence on the base.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
218