Page 118 - 4093-BOOK1

LOT 94
Extremely Rare Documented Individual Shipped Factory Engraved and Silver-Plated Colt Bisley Model Revolver with
Pearl Grips and Factory Letters - Serial no. 216881, 38-40 WCF cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., silver-plated finish, pearl grips. This
revolver is complete with two Colt factory letters dated 1969 and 1984. The letters list the revolver features as: “Barrel Length: 4
3/4, Finish: Silver, Type of Stocks: Pearl” and “Factory Engraved: Yes”. The letters state that this revolver was shipped to A. Baldwin
& Co., New Orleans, Louisiana, for Jim Brown on October 28, 1901. On page 266-7 of “The Book of Colt Firearms” author R.L Wilson
notes: “Engraved Bisley revolvers are very rare, and Colt factory records indicate that less than 60 were made”. Wilson further notes
that Bisley revolvers with silver-plated finishes are extremely rare and that silver plating was almost exclusively restricted to engraved
guns. Pearl grips are also rare on Bisley Model revolvers. The revolver is decorated with Colt “B” scroll and punch-dot engraving that is
nearly identical to the work on Bisley model serial number 266985 illustrated on page 450 of “The Colt Engraving Book Volume One” by R.L.
Wilson. The engraving was almost certainly executed by Colt chief engraver Cuno A. Helfricht. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line
legend: “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” in a engraved panel with double-line borders. “(BISLEY MODEL) 38 W.C.F.” is roll-stamped in an
oval panel on the left side of the barrel. The Colt “three-date/two-line” patent markings and Rampant Colt trademark enclosed in a double circle are
roll-stamped on the left side of the frame. The assembly number “98” is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The serial number is stamped on the
bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match.
CONDITION: Very good. The revolver is all original and retains traces of silver in protected areas and has a silver-gray patina on the balance and some
light pitting. The engraving and markings remain crisp. The pearl grips remain in fine condition with light aged coloration, minor chips, and a barely
noticeable hairline crack forward of grip screw on left panel. Mechanically needs work (cylinder not locking up and “rewinding”). This is an extremely
rare and documented factory engraved, silver-plated Colt Bisley Model Revolver with pearl grips.
Estimate: 10,000 - 18,000
According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" by
R.L. Wilson, fewer than 60 factory engraved Colt
Bisley Single Action revolvers were produced.
116