The Single Action Flattop Target revolvers were developed by Colt as a variation of their popular Single Action Army with a flat top frame and adjustable front and rear sights to satisfy the needs of target shooters, but there was evidently not much demand for Colt's single actions in this caliber despite the popularity of .22 rimfire with target shooters. Thus, these are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. According to "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army" by David M. Brown and "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson, fewer than 100 First Generation Colt Single Action Army Flattop Target revolvers were chambered for .22 rimfire ammunition. Manufactured in 1889, this flattop SAA is well deserving of the most advanced public or private collections and is the finest of its .22 RF configuration we have had the pleasure of cataloging. The included factory letter states that unfortunately there are no factory records available for this revolver. The revolver is fitted with a set of replacement target sights: beaded blade front (base trimmed to fit) and white outlined notched rear. The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.-". The left side of the "black powder frame" has the standard three-line patent dates marking. The left side of the trigger guard has the caliber designation "22 CAL." The revolver wears a set of Rampant Colt and American eagle embossed checkered hard rubber grips. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Excellent retaining 95% plus bright original high polish blue finish with some thinning to brown mostly on the grip straps and cylinder, some muzzle and edge wear, and a cylinder drag line. Four small notches are visible at the rear of the cylinder. The bottom of the grips have faded, otherwise the grips are very fine with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The condition and rare .22 RF caliber chambering makes this Colt Single Action Flattop Target Revolver a true Colt collector's dream gun. The writer cannot recall a finer example!