This is one of only 976 Bisley Flattop Target Revolvers manufactured by Colt and one of only approximately 131 chambered in .32 WCF (see David Brown's "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 190). "The .32-20 W.C.F. cartridge had good range and accuracy," wrote Brown. "It is very easy to shoot as it does not make the revolver buck as the larger calibers do." Today these scarce revolvers are highly sought after by Colt collectors. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Colt's San Francisco Agency, San Francisco, California, in May 1896 with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .32-20 caliber, blue finish, and hard rubber stocks. This was a single gun shipment. It has the correct all blue flattop frame, and it is fitted with target sights (a pinned beaded front blade and "U" notch rear sights). The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "(BISLEY MODEL) 32 W.C.F." on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. The loading gate has the assembly number "115." Both grip panels are marked with the matching partial serial number "4277." Matching full serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Very fine, retaining 80% bright original polish blue finish with the grip straps mostly thinned to a brown-gray patina and holster type wear. The left panel is slightly warped and chipped towards the bottom, otherwise the grips are fine with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of a rarely encountered antique Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Revolver in .32 WCF.