*LAST COLT BISLEY FLAT TOP TARGET REVOLVER SHIPPED NOVEMBER 6, 1914.

SN 326557. 44 Russian. The highest SN known in a target is 326577 which was shipped from the factory November 3, 1913; subject gun is second highest SN known in a flat top Bisley and the last one shipped from Colt. This gun exhibits a six pointed star on the left trigger guard web showing it was returned to the factory for minor repair which may be reason gun was shipped so much later than any other Bisley target. Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber .44 Russian with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, flat top frame, stocks not listed and sold & shipped to Wm. Read & Sons, Boston, MA on November 6, 1914 in a 1-gun shipment. This revolver conforms to other target models being blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, target front sight in a rectangular base with 1-line block letter address and the left side marked “(BISLEY MODEL) 44 RUSSIAN CTG”. Bbl is marked on bottom with small “44”. Matching SN 326557 is found on bottom of frame, trigger guard and backstrap. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and rampant Colt motif. Frame is flat top style with dovetailed fixed rear sight. Trigger guard is proof marked on left forward bow with triangle and “VP” and Colt inspector “1” is found on rear left bow. Screws & trigger are fire blued. Fitted with 2-pc checkered walnut stocks which though not SNed unquestionably appear orig to this gun. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia by Keith Cochran, John Parsons compiled from careful examination of Colt shipping records that there were 977 Target Model Bisley revolvers produced in the period 1894-1913 of which only 62 are listed in 44 Russian caliber, making this a rare revolver indeed especially in excellent condition and being the last Colt Bisley Target revolver ever to be shipped. PROVENANCE: Eric Vaule, Bridgewater, CT. Lewis Yearout 1969. Estate Collection of Lewis & Leyton Yearout. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall retaining 95% orig bright finish on bbl, frame and cyl. There are numerous small scratches in finish and one 1/4″ blemish in center of bbl and muzzle wear on right side as can be seen in photos. Trigger guard retains over 90% of its orig bright finish with wear in grip frame; backstrap retains about 40% of its orig bright finish with wear in grip frame where handled. Exposed surfaces of gun are gray and cyl shows drag line as can be seen in photos. Hammer retains about 60% case colors though muted and worn where gun has been fired and hammer made contact with sides of frame. 2-pc checkered wood stocks fit gun well with minor edge wear retaining 95% of their orig varnish. Mechanically gun functions well with a bright shiny bore. 4-53889 JS64 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3113

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Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3113	$10,925.00	LAST COLT BISLEY FLAT TOP TARGET REVOLVER SHIPPED NOVEMBER 6, 1914. SN 326557. 44 Russian. The highest SN known in a target is 326577 which was shipped from the factory November 3, 1913; subject gun is second highest SN known in a flat top Bisley and the last one shipped from Colt. This gun exhibits a six pointed star on the left trigger guard web showing it was returned to the factory for minor repair which may be reason gun was shipped so much later than any other Bisley target. Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber .44 Russian with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, flat top frame, stocks not listed and sold & shipped to Wm. Read & Sons, Boston, MA on November 6, 1914 in a 1-gun shipment. This revolver conforms to other target models being blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, target front sight in a rectangular base with 1-line block letter address and the left side marked “(BISLEY MODEL) 44 RUSSIAN CTG”. Bbl is marked on bottom with small “44”. Matching SN 326557 is found on bottom of frame, trigger guard and backstrap. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and rampant Colt motif. Frame is flat top style with dovetailed fixed rear sight. Trigger guard is proof marked on left forward bow with triangle and “VP” and Colt inspector “1” is found on rear left bow. Screws & trigger are fire blued. Fitted with 2-pc checkered walnut stocks which though not SNed unquestionably appear orig to this gun. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia* by Keith Cochran, John Parsons compiled from careful examination of Colt shipping records that there were 977 Target Model Bisley revolvers produced in the period 1894-1913 of which only 62 are listed in 44 Russian caliber, making this a rare revolver indeed especially in excellent condition and being the last Colt Bisley Target revolver ever to be shipped. PROVENANCE: Eric Vaule, Bridgewater, CT. Lewis Yearout 1969. Estate Collection of Lewis & Leyton Yearout. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall retaining 95% orig bright finish on bbl, frame and cyl. There are numerous small scratches in finish and one 1/4″ blemish in center of bbl and muzzle wear on right side as can be seen in photos. Trigger guard retains over 90% of its orig bright finish with wear in grip frame; backstrap retains about 40% of its orig bright finish with wear in grip frame where handled. Exposed surfaces of gun are gray and cyl shows drag line as can be seen in photos. Hammer retains about 60% case colors though muted and worn where gun has been fired and hammer made contact with sides of frame. 2-pc checkered wood stocks fit gun well with minor edge wear retaining 95% of their orig varnish. Mechanically gun functions well with a bright shiny bore. 4-53889 JS64 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3113 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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*LAST COLT BISLEY FLAT TOP TARGET REVOLVER SHIPPED NOVEMBER 6, 1914.