Colt 1st Gen Bisley Single Action Army SAA .32 WCF 5 1/2″ Revolver 1909 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,996.00
LSB#: LSB260221TP034
Make: Colt
Model: Bisley Model Single Action Army
Serial Number: 309989
Year of Manufacture: 1909 (Letter of Authenticity) / C&R
Caliber: .32 WCF / .32/20
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “(BISLEY MODEL) 32 W.C.F.” The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT, 19, 1871” / “JULY 2,72. JAN. 19,75” with the Rampant Colt logo. The bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and butt of the frame are marked with the serial number. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “1281”. The face of the cylinder is marked with assembly number “585”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade at the muzzle. The rear sight is a ‘V’ notch the length of the top strap. Visible when the hammer is cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece, smooth ivory, with a carved steer head on the right panel. There is very little handling wear on the panels. There are no chips or cracks on the grips. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued and Color Case-Hardened
Finish Originality: Partially refinished; barrel, trigger guard, and grip frame have been re-blued. Frame; Case color is Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is superficial corrosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its finish. The blueing on the barrel is showing a patina. There are scratches on the muzzle. The end of the barrel has a ring scratched around the barrel, as well as heavier scratches on the bottom of the barrel. The frame shows minor scratching and handling wear. The front and back straps show some light scratches with a few minor nicks in the finish. There are freckles of corrosion on the blued surfaces. The cylinder shows a light turn line, as well as noticeable scratches near the flutes. There is also finish loss on the high edges, rear of the cylinder. The screw heads are strong and sharp, with only a couple showing tooling. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder stop has minor play. There is also minor end shake. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Letter of Authenticity
Our Assessment: The Colt’s Manufacturing Company Bisley Model Single Action Army represents one of the most distinctive variations of the classic 1873 design, introduced in the 1890s to better suit target shooting and competitive use. Bisleys were serial-numbered in the range of 156300-331916, in the same sequence as the single action army. With its unique grip profile, lowered hammer spur, and wider trigger, the Bisley configuration was engineered for improved control and deliberate fire, reflecting the growing popularity of organized shooting matches at the turn of the 20th century. Chambered in .32 WCF, also known as .32-20, this revolver pairs with a cartridge introduced in the 1880s that became widely favored for its versatility, mild recoil, and compatibility across both revolvers and lever-action rifles. Produced in 1909 and accompanied by a factory Letter of Authenticity, this revolver falls squarely within Colt’s early production period and qualifies as C&R, representing a tangible link to that era of American firearms development.
This example presents in Fine condition, retaining approximately 90% of its finish with a combination of original and period-applied refinish, including reblued barrel, trigger guard, and grip frame, while the frame’s case coloring remains original. The barrel shows a light patina along with visible wear at the muzzle, including a ring of scratching and additional marks along the underside. The cylinder exhibits a light turn line, finish loss on the high edges, and scattered scratches near the flutes, while the metal surfaces show light handling wear and minor corrosion freckling. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and some superficial corrosion, rating 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly with minor cylinder stop play and slight end shake noted. The two-piece ivory grips, featuring a carved steer head on the right panel, remain in Excellent condition and provide a striking period-style accent. The included Letter of Authenticity further supports the revolver’s documented history and configuration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY