Colt Frontier Six Shooter Bisley SAA 1st Gen .44-40 WCF Revolver, 1903 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2030

LSB#: 220204RT033

Make: Colt

Model: Frontier Six Shooter, Bisley Model

Serial Number: 248517

Year of Manufacture: 1903 (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 “3228”. The frame is marked “248517”, found again on the trigger guard. The back strap is marked “248 / 517”. The inside of the right grip panel has “WJ HOGAN / 1726” and what is likely a street name hand-scribed.

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

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 soem scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is generally stronger toward the top-front and more worn toward the bottom, the right panel shows more wear than the left. There is pretty good detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light-moderate erosion scattered through the bore with some light pitting.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Most exposed surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. The strongest finish is found on the top and bottom of the ejector housing. There is some finish in other protected areas such as the corners of the trigger guard. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some light surface erosion, most notable on the cylinder, recoil shield and loading gate. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has a removable bushing. The cylinder locks up with light rotational play on each chamber and very minor end-shake. 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 that were installed on this model. 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 with a 5 1/2″ barrel. The revolver shows honest wear for a working revolver of its age, having a beautiful Old West appearance. This will make a nice addition to a Colt or American West collection for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!