The Colt Bisley model was only manufactured in 1894-1912 and were designed by Colt with accuracy and target shooting in mind. For many, the Bisley feels better in the hand and cocks and fires easier thanks to its lower and wider hammer and the wider trigger, making them excellent sidearms for serious marksmen. Rarely are they encountered with a period engraving, making these works of steel canvas highly sought after by today's collectors. This example is highly desirable as it was shipped to famed New York retailer Hartley & Graham specifically for engraving as documented by the included factory letter. The revolver is covered in beautiful L.D. Nimschke New York style engraving. Combined with its excellent condition, this revolver is a standout piece of late 19th century work of American art and will make a grand statement to any collection. The accompanying factory letter describes the revolver as: Colt Single Action Bisley Model Revolver, Serial Number 177848, Caliber: 45/C, Barrel Length: 4 3/4 inches, Finish: Soft, and Type of Stocks: Not listed. The letter states that this revolver was shipped to Hartley & Graham in New York, New York, on April 30, 1898, as a one-gun shipment. The "soft" finish indicates that it was sent outside the Colt factory "without final finishing for engraving." The revolver is engraved with bold Germanic scroll-work on a punch-dot background. The engraving coverage approximates Colt "B" or "No. 2" engraving. The engraving was probably executed by master engraver L.D. Nimschke or his shop. Nimschke engraved many, if not most, of the Colt revolvers with "soft" finish ordered by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham between 1870 and 1900. The authors of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" provided additional historical context of these amazing "soft" finish shipped SAAs: "Schuyler, Hartley & Graham contracted much of their Single Action engraving work to Louis D. Nimschke, the world-renowned master engraver (as well as those 'soft-engraved' revolvers from other engraving contractors-one being the Gustav Young family) display patterns and styles very similar to Colt's own engraved Single Actions of the era. This strongly indicates common apprenticeships and employment by many of the Hartford-area craftsmen who at various times worked under Colt's master engravers" (page 85). The barrel, cylinder trigger guard and back strap are nickel-plated. The top of the hammer, trigger screws and cylinder pin have a fiery, niter blue, finish. The two-piece grips are pearl. The revolver has the distinctive Bisley Model features which include: hump-back profile grips, 3/16-inch higher frame, curved, wide-spur hammer with bordered knurling on the spur, and special, wide, curved trigger. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in two lines and the left side is roll-stamped: "(BISLEY MODEL) 45 COLT" in a single line. The caliber designation "45" is stamped on the underside of the barrel just ahead of the frame. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt two-line/three-date patent markings in an engraved panel. The assembly number "45" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "848" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. Provenance: The TTT Collection