Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army SAA .38-40 WCF Revolver, MFD 1901 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1500

LSB#: 210203JO01

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model

Serial Number: 217491

Year of Manufacture: 1901 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: 38 W.C.F. (38-40 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) 38 W.C.F.”. 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 “285”. The hammer slot is marked “W”. The frame is marked “217491”, the trigger guard and back strap are marked “257491”. We do not know the reason for these serial markings to not be matching. They seem too far apart to be a factory error, but there are too many matching numbers to seem likely to be a coincidence. Please see the photos of the serial markings.

Barrel Length: 4 3/4”

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. Originally black, the grips have developed a slight brown coloring. The grips show light-moderate handling wear. The right panel has a few losses and dings at the bottom edge and there are some other scattered, more minor marks. The checkering ranges from well defined to worn. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 3% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is mostly in protected areas such as around screw heads and on the rear of the barrel, just in front of the frame. Most other areas have gone to a light-moderate patina or are worn to white. There is some scattered light erosion. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a cluster of tool marks on the bottom of the barrel and ejector rod housing around the cylinder pin head. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong 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 has a removable bushing. The cylinder locks up with moderate play side-to-side and 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.