1st Gen Colt Bisley Model .38-40 WCF 4 3/4″ Single Action Revolver 1906 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,450.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP008
Make: Colt
Model: Bisley Model
Serial Number: 280023
Year of Manufacture: 1906 (per Colt Archive letter)
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester Center Fire (.38 W.C.F.)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, Side Loading-Gate, Fixed 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) 38 W.C.F.”. The left side of the frame is marked with the Colt patent dates “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” followed by the Rampant Colt logo in a circle. The left front trigger guard bow is marked with a “T” inspection mark and the verified proof mark “VP” in a triangle. The rear of the loading gate is marked “3980”. The bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap are each marked “280023”. The black hard rubber grips are checkered with Rampant Colt logo panels and show standard internal mold markings.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece black hard rubber with the Rampant Colt logo at the top of each panel and a checkered field. There is scattered light handling wear with some smoothing of the checkering from use. No chips or cracks are present. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Originally Blue.
Finish Condition: The revolver retains less than 30% of its original finish. Hints of blue are visible on the barrel with only specks of blue remaining on the grip frame. The balance of the metal has worn to a mottled patina with areas of gray “in the white” steel. The age-appropriate finish wear lends authenticity and does not detract from collector interest, especially given the revolver’s documented history. There are scattered light nicks, scratches, and spots of minor oxidation, with a visible turn line on the cylinder.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with very well-defined rifling. There is light erosion scattered intermittently in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains less than 30% of its original finish with most surfaces showing a worn patina from age and use. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled. The markings remain clear and legible. The cylinder shows a light turn line. The overall condition is about Good-Very Good for a well-used but unmolested Colt Bisley of this vintage.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with minor play on each chamber and has proper endshake. The hammer cocks and the trigger releases as it should. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver includes a Colt Archive letter dated June 26, 2007, confirming configuration, caliber, barrel length, finish, and original shipment to Ketelsen and Degetau in El Paso, Texas, on August 13, 1906, as part of a special order shipment of only two guns of the same type.
Our Assessment:
This 1906 Colt Bisley Model in .38-40 WCF is a fine example of a turn-of-the-century working revolver with genuine frontier and Southwest appeal. Shipped to Ketelsen and Degetau in El Paso, Texas, this revolver was part of a tiny two-gun shipment—likely a special order—making it a scarce and desirable find for Colt collectors. The 4 3/4” barrel configuration, coupled with the hard-hitting .38-40 cartridge, would have made it a practical yet formidable choice for ranchers, lawmen, or anyone needing a reliable sidearm in the borderlands.
While finish wear is significant—most of the revolver now presenting in the white—this is entirely appropriate for its age and adds to its authenticity. Less than 30% of the original blue remains, but the markings are sharp, and the grips, frame, and barrel all match the serial number listed in the factory letter. The bore is strong for its era, rating a 7/10 with only light scattered erosion, making it a mechanically solid survivor.
For the collector, this piece offers an attractive blend of historical provenance, authentic wear, and a desirable Texas-shipped lettered configuration. Colt Bisleys from this era—especially in original, documented, matching condition—are a key part of any advanced Colt collection, and the special-order shipment detail makes this one particularly intriguing. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
