1st Gen. Colt Bisley Frontier Six Shooter 44-40 4 3/4” Revolver 1902 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,625.00

LSB#: LSB250601SP003

Make: Colt

Model: Bisley Model Frontier Six-Shooter

Serial Number: 220635

Year of Manufacture: 1902 (Per Colt Archive Letter)

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

Action Type: Single Action Revolver, Side-Loading Gate with Fixed Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BISLEY MODEL / COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER.” The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line patent dates “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72 JAN. 19. 75” followed by the Rampant Colt logo. The underside of the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap are each marked “220635.” The butt is also marked with the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” in a single line. The loading gate is marked with an assembly number.

Barrel Length: 4 3/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver is fitted with factory Colt hard rubber Bisley grips featuring the Rampant Colt in an oval at the top. The grips show light handling wear, some minor flattening of the checkering, and a few small handling marks, but no major chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue with Case Colored Frame (Per Colt Archive Letter)

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling where not interrupted by erosion. There is light erosion scattered throughout the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 5% of its original finish. Surfaces have worn to a gray patina with scattered spots of oxidation. The cylinder has a thin, continuous turn line. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly disfigured. The markings remain clear. The cylinder pin is a non-original replacement. Overall, this revolver rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The revolver has a timing issue that makes operation clunky, though it can be forced through its paces. The cylinder locks up with minor side-play and has proper end-shake. 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 confirming it shipped on January 20, 1902, to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Company in El Paso, Texas, as one of five guns of the same type in the shipment. The letter specifies the original configuration as .44/c (.44-40 WCF), blue finish, and a 4 3/4” barrel.

Our Assessment:
The Colt Bisley Model was introduced in 1894 as a purpose-built target revolver, featuring a distinct grip profile, lowered hammer spur, and wider trigger — all intended to improve control during deliberate one-handed fire. The “Frontier Six-Shooter” marking signified the popular .44-40 WCF chambering, a dual-purpose cartridge ideal for those carrying both a revolver and a Winchester lever-action rifle.

This revolver’s appeal is bolstered by its Colt Archive letter confirming a 1902 shipment to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Company in El Paso, Texas — a notable frontier-era outfitter that served cowboys, ranchers, and lawmen during the fading years of the Old West. El Paso destination guns carry strong collector interest, and this example’s shipment as part of a five-gun lot adds a further layer of historical intrigue.

While finish remains at about 5%, this Bisley retains its original 4 3/4” barrel, matching serial numbers on major parts, and strong factory markings. The noted timing issue makes the operation clunky, but it can be run through with deliberate handling. For those seeking a documented, Texas-shipped Colt that embodies both the Bisley’s distinctive form and the Frontier Six-Shooter’s rugged heritage, this example offers a fine blend of authenticity, provenance, and mechanical presence. 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.