Colt 1st Gen Bisley Model Single Action Army SAA .32-20 Revolver, 1910 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1575
LSB#: 210608MW88
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 314514
Year of Manufacture: 1910 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32 WCF)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. / HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the barrel is marked “(BISLEY MODEL) 32 W.C.F.” The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.” and with a circled Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with the Verified Proof and the rear has a “1”. The frame, trigger guard and back strap are marked “314514”. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “1390”, found again on the rear face of the frame under the grip. The hammer slot is marked “3” (upside-down).
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is “V”-notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips show light-moderate handling wear with some scattered nicks, scratches and scuffing. There are areas of smoothed checkers and there is minor wear in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are generally shy to the metal. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as possibly not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is some scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in protected areas such as the cylinder flutes, the top of the backstrap around the hammer, and corners. There is some case color on the front face of the frame, inside the hammer slot and on the side faces of the hammer. Other surfaces are mostly worn to white with some scattered minor oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and infrequent minor surface erosion. There are tool marks around some screw heads and the cylinder pin head is tool marked. There is a ring of firing-pin strike-marks between the chambers on the rear face of the cylinder. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Fair-Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The cylinder has a tendency to over-rotate unless operated slowly, likely accounting for the firing pin strikes between the chambers. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with very little play side-to-side and barely perceptible end-shake. The cylinder has a removable bushing. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Bisley was introduced in 1894 as a target pistol. The name Bisley came from the famous firing range in Bisley, England. The Colt Bisley can be distinguished by the longer grip, the wider hammer spur, and the wider trigger. Bisleys were serial-numbered in the range of 156300–331916, in the same sequence as the Single Action Army. This example is in Fair-Good condition showing wear consistent with use over the last century. The timing needs a little work, but otherwise the mechanics are strong and the barrel retains a fair bore. Whether you’re looking to restore or display this revolver as-is, this would make a nice Colt to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!