Colt's "Flattop Target Model" was offered in the late 19th century for competitive target shooting. Only eight were manufactured in .41 Colt, and only five were in .41 Colt with a 7 1/2 inch barrel and blue finish per "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895". The factory letter lists this revolver in .41 caliber with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed and indicates it shipped to J. Bielenberg in Brownsville, Texas, on January 13, 1892, and was the sole gun of this type in the shipment. The right grip is carved in high relief with the eagle and snake design from the Mexican coat of arms with inlaid eyes. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The loading gate has assembly number "659", and "9" is on the back of the grips. Jorge Bielenberg (1849-1912), a German immigrant living in Brownsville, Texas, and vice consul at Matamoros, Mexico, across the river, advertised himself as a general agent for northern Mexico for "New Home Sewing Machines" and as a "Dealer in Jewelry, Arms and Ammunition" in "The Brownsville Herald" in the 1890s. His family originally settled in Davenport, Iowa, across the Mississippi River from our Rock Island, Illinois, facility. Conrad Kohrs (1835-1920) was his half-brother, and his brother Nicholas "Johnny" Bielenberg (1846-1927) was also associated with the famous Kohrs Ranch near Deer Lodge, Montana. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Very good with most of the refinished blue, fading to smooth gray patina, and mild wear. The grips are also very fine, and the carving remains crisp. Mechanically fine. This is an exceptionally rare and highly attractive Colt Single Action Army. Do not miss your opportunity to get your hands on a .41 caliber Colt Flattop Target Revolver shipped to the Texas border!