Colt Frontier Six Shooter Bisley SAA 1st Gen .44-40 WCF Revolver, 1902 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1763

LSB#: 210909JK01

Make: Colt

Model: Frontier Six Shooter, Bisley Model

Serial Number: 223909

Year of Manufacture: 1902 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .44 WCF (.44-40 Winchester Center Fire)

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) / COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.” and with an encircled Rampant Colt logo. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “953”. The frame is marked “223909”, found again on the trigger guard. The back strap is marked “223 / 909”.

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 hard rubber with rampant colts in ovals at their tops. The grips have light handling wear. There is a scratch in the checkering of the left panel toward the bottom, some spots of white residue, and scattered minor nicks and scuffs, mostly along the edges. The checkering is generally well defined. There is pretty good detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is worn, visible in some areas. There is moderate-heavy erosion throughout the bore with some scattered pitting.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 4% of its metal finish. Most remaining finish is bluing in the cylinder flutes. Other surfaces have gone to a light-moderate patina with scattered surface oxidation and light erosion. There are nicks on the bottom of the barrel and the cylinder pin head has moderate tool marks. The cylinder pin is seized in the cylinder bushing, we were not able to remove it. There is oxidation and erosion in the chambers. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to slightly obscured by erosion. Overall, this revolver is in Fair-Good condition.

Mechanics: The cylinder pin is seized in the cylinder bushing, we were not able to remove it. The cylinder does not lock up properly. 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 a Bisley Model Colt Frontier Six Shooter, chambered for the .44-40 Winchester cartridge. The revolver shows its age, but has a beautiful Old West appearance. This will make a nice addition to a Colt or American West collection and would be a worthwhile candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!