Manufactured in 1895, this high condition antique Colt Bisley Flattop Target Revolver is chambered in .455 Eley. The earliest Bisley Flattop Target Revolver first appeared in 1894, and per research presented by noted Colt historian R.L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms," Colt manufactured 196 of these Bisley Flattops chambered in .455 Eley (page 252). Total Bisley Flattop production was 976 revolvers. These revolvers were designed as the premium Colt target revolver of the day with a redesigned frame which provided a better grip angle for competitive target shooting. The term Bisley was actually adopted after a group of British pistol shooters used these very successfully at the Bisley matches in England. The barrel is marked with the one-line Hartford address on top and "455 ELEY" on the left side. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. London proofs appear on each cylinder flute and on the underside of the barrel. The revolver has target sights and two-piece plain walnut grips. The matching full serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The rear cylinder face as the matching partial serial number "1303."

Very fine, retaining 75% plus bright original high polish blue finish showing holster type wear and thinning to brown on the balance. The grip straps are mostly a smooth brown-gray patina mixed with some original blue finish. The period refinished grips are fine with some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very fine original antique representative example of the famed Colt Bisley Flattop Target Revolver in .455 Eley.