Colt 1st Gen Bisley Model Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver, MFD 1912 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1725
LSB#: 210608MW90
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 322601
Year of Manufacture: 1912 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
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) 45 COLT” 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 “W”. The frame, trigger guard and back strap are marked “322601”. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “866” or “998”, found again on the rear face of the frame under the grip. The hammer slot is marked “7”.
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 black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips show light-moderate wear with some scattered nicks, scratches and scuffing. There are areas of smoothed checkers and there is 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 with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore, mostly toward the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. There is blued finish in some protected areas such as around the front sight, on the rear of the barrel at the front edge of the frame, and around the hammer. The frame has some case color remaining in the loading groove and in the pinched areas in front of the cylinder, below the cylinder pin retainer. There is case color visible on the front face of the hammer under the firing pin. Other surfaces have either worn to white or gone to a light patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and areas of surface erosion. There are file-marks on the ejector tab and tool marks around some screw heads. The cylinder pin head is tool marked. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: 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 about Good condition showing wear consistent with use over the last century. The mechanics are still strong and the barrel retains a decent 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!