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In the letter to Brichaux, Wilson perfectly summarized the condition of no. 314626: “I have examined thoroughly Colt Bisley Model Revolver, number 314626, and consider this one of the finest specimens of that model known to collectors... Congratulations on owning this exceptional and rare, and artistically important, Colt Single Action Bisley revolver.” Wilson attributed the engraving and carving to Colt Master Engraver Cuno
Helfricht. Helfricht spent his nearly 50 year career exclusively with the Colt firm (1871-1921). During his tenure with Colt, Helfricht saw the transition from percussion to cartridge firearms and a
rapidly growing market for engraved firearms. At the height of the firearm engraving fad, Helfricht oversaw a shop of six engravers. By the turn of the century, experts believe that Helfricht did most of the work himself with the help from one to two assistants. Helfricht’s successor’s included famed Colt engravers Wilbur Glahn and William Gough. The Cuno A. Helfricht pattern engraving consists mostly of his signature floral scrollwork on punch dot background along with fan motifs on the loading gate and recoil shield and zig-zag line
and dot motifs featured most prominently on the ejector rod housing, top strap, rear of cylinder, back strap, butt, and trigger guard. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line Colt Hartford address legend. The left side of the barrel has the “(BISLEY
MODEL) 45 COLT” marking inside a scalloped banner. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking inside a banner followed by an encircled Rampant Colt logo. As confirmed in
the factory records, the revolver wears a set of pearl grips featuring relief carved “FGF” monogram on the right panel. Matching serial numbers are located on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The trigger guard serial number is inside a banner. The matching assembly number appears on the loading gate and rear of the frame.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% plus bright original high polish blue finish showing some thinning to brown mostly on the grip straps and mild muzzle wear. The hammer and frame retain 98% vivid original case colors. The grips are also excellent with highly attractive fiery colors and
crisp factory cut monogram. Mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to acquire one of the
few original factory engraved Colt Bisley Model Revolvers, especially as it is one of the finest known! Missing from even the most advanced collections, this stunning factory engraved Bisley Model Revolver will be a crown jewel to any Colt SAA or high art collection.
Provenance: The Albert Brichaux Collection;
The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 120,000 - 180,000
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