Tucson, Arizona Territory, Shipped Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Army Revolver

This exceptional Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1906 in the desirable .45 Long Colt caliber, unlike the majority of these usually found in calibers more suited for the English market, and has a scarce Arizona Territory shipping destination. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as shipped on February 19, 1907, to Smith Sporting Goods Company in Tucson, Territory of Arizona, in .45 caliber with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed, as the only gun of its type in the shipment. This is one of only 97 Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Army revolvers recorded in factory ledgers as shipped in .45 Long Colt per page 252 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson. Colt Bisley Flattop Target revolvers are already considered scarce, with only 976 manufactured in total between all the calibers. The revolver has the distinctive Bisley Model features which include the higher frame, humpback grip area, curved hammer with wide knurled spur, and wide trigger. Also features the scarce flattop frame, a raised fixed blade target front sight, and dovetail mounted "U" notch rear sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line Colt Hartford address, and "(BISLEY MODEL) 45 COLT" is on the left of the barrel. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the two-line patent date markings followed by the encircled Rampant Colt trademark. Matching visible full serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and butt, with unnumbered cylinder, and assembly number "4075" on the loading gate. It has the high polish Colt full blue finish and casehardened hammer. The trigger, rear sight, and screws have a fiery niter blue finish. The two-piece checkered hard rubber grips have the Rampant Colt logos.

Condition

Exceptionally fine, retains 98% bright original high polish blue finish, most of the vibrant original case colors on the hammer and original fiery niter blue finish on the rear sight, cylinder drag lines, light freckling, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grips are also excellent, with tight fitment, minimal handling evidence, and crisp checkering and logos. Mechanically excellent. This is a scarce high condition example of a Tucson, Arizona Territory, shipped Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Army revolver in .45 Long Colt!