Welcome to as we speak’s Picture of the Day! This nickel-finished Colt Single Motion Military Flattop Goal represents one of many rarest configurations in SAA historical past. Manufacturing unit data affirm solely six black powder SAA revolvers have been ever produced on this precise specification: .32 S&W caliber, 5½-inch barrel, nickel end, and flattop goal body. All six have been shipped collectively to E.C. Meacham Arms Firm in St. Louis on December 8, 1888. The Flattop Goal variant was Colt’s reply to the rising demand for precision taking pictures sports activities within the Eighties. By eradicating the rear sight groove from the usual SAA body and milling it flat, Colt created a platform for adjustable goal sights that dramatically improved accuracy potential. The .32 S&W chambering (additionally marketed as .32 S&W Gallery or .32-44) was particularly designed for indoor taking pictures galleries and goal work. Colt historians Wilkerson and Hoyt theorized these six revolvers have been probably destined for a single taking pictures gallery in St. Louis—a typical observe in the course of the top of America’s goal taking pictures craze. Indoor galleries have been widespread leisure venues the place patrons might check their marksmanship expertise, and purpose-built goal revolvers like this one offered the accuracy mandatory for worthwhile operations.
The revolver options the one-line Hartford deal with on the barrel, three-line patent dates on the body’s left facet, and “32 CAL” marking on the set off guard. The checkered onerous rubber grips bear the embossed Rampant Colt and American Eagle, whereas matching serial numbers on body, set off guard, and backstrap affirm its authenticity. This instance features a interval Fred Biffar floral-tooled leather-based holster and a full field of unique Winchester .32-44 Gallery cartridges, creating an entire taking pictures gallery ensemble from the golden age of American marksmanship.
“Colt Single Motion Military Flattop Goal .32 S&W Revolver.” Rock Island Public sale Firm, https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/4094/3075/colt-single-action-army-flattop-target-32-sw-revolver. Accessed 26 Could 2025.
