COLT BISLEY MODEL .45

The Colt Bisley Model, named after the Bisley Target Range in England was introduced in a very small quantity in 1895. Most of them were shipped to England and were Flat Top Models, with a few in the standard frame configuration. Production was slow, and very few. It is very sound to state when searching for or Collecting Colts, BLACK POWDER ANTIQUE Bisleys are simply not to be found ! Why ? the large bulk of production, probably 95%++ are all made after December 31, 1898, therefore considered modern. This Bisley .45, with a 4-3/4 inch barrel , Serial No. 18091X was manufactured prior to December 31st, 1898. It has about 45-40% original Factory Blue finish, balance . The case colored frame has abloutv40% case color showing, slightly faded and some silvering.being a blending patina. ALL fcatory applied markings are present and clear: barrel address, frame patents, serial numbers (all matching). the screw heads are crisp, and still have their blue finish. ALL parts are factory original, and the WORKING actions are 100% correct in every mode !The checkered hard rubber grips are in excellent condition, and show hardly no hand wear.

Certainly this Bisley would be worthy of a Factory Letter. It seems many Colts shipped during the 1890's have unique ship destinations. This could be one ????

PRICE $ 3,450

This is a incredibly "charismatic" Colt 1851 Navy, and was in the collection of the renowned Texas collector, Enrique (Henry) Guerra for 50 plus years. It comes with a letter written by him in 2002. This Navy is marked correctly on the frame below Colt's Patent, US. It was the Military attempt to get modern weaponry in the hands of the Army working in hostile areas. Replacing outdated revolvers, like single shots and a very few Paterson's. The bulk were issued to the 2nd Cavalry/Army fighting in the American Southwest and Texas Border area. Serial No. 5808X is a wonderful example of this issue. ALL factory applied markings are very clear: barrel address, frame patents, US, ALL matching Serial Numbers. The finish is a smooth, natural plum patina finish, and good metal surfaces. The brass TG and Back Strap has a magnificent mustard patina. The cylinder has mostly faded scene due to age and wear, but serial number intact.

Beyond historical significance and the 2nd Cavalry, it continued to serve " On the Border". Maybe a soldier finishing his enlistment, and "run-away" or sold to a civilian, it shows it's history. It comes with the original Floral Engraved Plug Bottom Slim Jim holster, a rarity in itself. BUT MOST of ALL, it is fitted with a pair of Ivory Snake & Eagle grips. You can tell they are early vintage, as the carved side with the Snake & Eagle stands more than 4/4 of an inch high!

Mechanically the '51 operates 100% correctly on ALL working actions. The history of the rugged Southwest all in one '51 Navy !

PRICE $4,500 SOLD / HOLD

A careful proud owner ! Why? when the grip became slightly less secure, he placed a thin copper wire around the grip, and some 165 years later there it is ! and the grip is all there !

CONFIGURATION, QUANTITY, AND SHIP LOCATION... 1893

   COLT FACTORY LETTER

Here we have a COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY, of the BLACK POWDER persuasion, EXHIBITING  scarce qualities. First, it is a 7-1/2 INCH barrel CHAMBERED IN 32/20 CALIBER !!!!!! ALL collectors know it is extremely rare in this configuration, and nearly impossible to find in ALL original condition. Secondly ONLY 2 were shipped, and the third scarcity, it was shipped to Texas. J.C. Petmecky in Austin, on 5/17/1893.

Yes, Serial No. 14933X is a rare find, and will make a collector very happy. It letters exactly as you see it, blue finish and barrel length and caliber. Currently it has about 65% of all the original blue, except it has darkened and some plum underlying colors. the grips are excellent and are the very desirable Eagle Pattern hard rubber. ALL factory applied markings are present and legible. The working action functions correctly, with all the cock stops and cylinder rotation then locking tight. The Eagle grips are very defined and exhibit correct wear.

This is a very scarce SAA, with a fine shipping location & quantity. Hard to find, MUCH LESS to Texas!

PRICE $4.950

Serial No. 13175X was shipped to Simmons Hardware on March 21st, 1890, just as you see it. Blue, Hard Rubber, 4-3/4 ", 44/40 in a quantity of 25. Today the blue finish has evolved into a blue/plum patina, untouched and natural after 133 years. There are still miniscule areas of original blue, like alongside the trigger guard bow.The factory applied markings remain clear and sharp: barrel address, frame patents, serial numbers (all matching) and roll die caliber on barrel. Attesting to Colt quality, the mechanical actions, aka. working actions ALL function 100% correctly: hammer notches, cylinder rotation and indexing, releasing to fire etc...NO problems.

In 1890 the Factory was still using the Eagle Pattern hard rubber grips, which in a few years disappeared.

The Eagle grips are in great condition, showing normal to light hand wear, with NO damage. St. Louis was STILL the jumping off point for firearms going to the WEST. No doubt this Colt crossed the Mississippi River and entered into the wild west which was STILL there in 1890. The west was the greatest demand for this Colt product and considering its caliber matched with the 1873 Winchester Rifle/Carbine drove the demand. Eagle gripped Black Powder Colts are scarce today and highly prized.

PRICE $4,450