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LOT 3120
Exceptional Documented Antique
New York Hartley & Graham Engraved, Nickel-
Plated, Factory “Soft” Shipment Colt Bisley Model Single Action
Revolver with Pearl Grips and
Factory Letter - Serial no. 177848, 45
Long Colt cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel
finish, pearl grips. The Colt Bisley model was
only manufactured in 1894-1912 and were designed
by Colt with accuracy and target shooting in mind. For many, the Bisley feels better in the hand and cocks
and fires easier thanks to its lower and wider hammer and the wider trigger, making them excellent sidearms
for serious marksmen. Rarely are they encountered with a period engraving, making these works of steel canvas highly sought
after by today’s collectors. This example is highly desirable as it was shipped to famed New York retailer Hartley & Graham specifically for engraving as documented by the included factory letter. The revolver is covered in beautiful L.D. Nimschke New York style engraving. Combined with its excellent condition, this revolver
is a standout piece of late 19th century work of American art and will make a grand statement to any collection. The accompanying factory letter describes the revolver as: Colt Single Action Bisley Model Revolver, Serial Number 177848, Caliber: 45/C, Barrel Length: 4 3/4 inches, Finish: Soft, and Type of Stocks: Not
listed. The letter states that this revolver was shipped to Hartley & Graham in New York, New York, on April 30, 1898, as a one-gun shipment. The “soft” finish indicates that it was sent outside the Colt factory “without final finishing for engraving.” The revolver is engraved with bold Germanic scroll-work on a punch-dot
background. The engraving coverage approximates Colt “B” or “No. 2” engraving. The engraving was probably executed by master engraver L.D. Nimschke or his shop. Nimschke engraved many, if not most, of the Colt revolvers with “soft” finish ordered by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham between 1870 and 1900. The authors of “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” provided additional historical context of these amazing “soft” finish shipped SAAs: “Schuyler,
Hartley & Graham contracted much of their Single Action engraving work to Louis D. Nimschke, the world-renowned master engraver (as well as those ‘soft- engraved’ revolvers from other engraving contractors-one being the Gustav Young family) display patterns and styles very similar to Colt’s own engraved
Single Actions of the era. This strongly indicates common apprenticeships and employment by many of the Hartford-area craftsmen who at various times worked under Colt’s master engravers” (page 85). The barrel, cylinder trigger guard and back strap are nickel-plated. The top of the hammer, trigger screws and cylinder pin have a fiery, niter blue, finish. The two-piece grips are pearl. The revolver has the distinctive Bisley Model features which include:
hump-back profile grips, 3/16-inch higher frame, curved, wide-spur hammer with bordered knurling on the spur, and special, wide, curved trigger.