The Colt Bisley model was only manufactured in 1894-1912 and was 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. This example of Colt's famed Bisley in desirable .45 LC was manufactured in 1900. Accompanying the revolver is an extra factory cylinder chambered in .45 ACP purchased during World War II by a USAAF officer. As documented by the included October 14, 1943, Colt order letter (copy), the .45 ACP cylinder was purchased at a cost of $6.00 by Lt. Harry Rubin of the U.S. Army Forces Equipment Board, Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics, Orlando, Florida. The .45 ACP round was used by the U.S. Military during World War II for the Model 1911 and 1911A1 semi-automatic pistols. This chambering was first made available after World War I in 1924 on a special order basis to the SAA production line. Colt historian and author David Brown stated, "Almost all made after 1924 were shipped to men in some branch of the Armed Forces. They could get all of the .45 Auto ammo they wanted but part of them wanted to shoot the Colt Single Action Army instead of Colt Automatic so they would order the Colt SAA made up in the .45 ACP" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 62). As a .45 caliber Bisley owned by a WWII officer, it made perfect sense for Lt. Rubin to purchase a cylinder chambered in .45 ACP, a standard U.S. military caliber readily available to him. The Army Air Forces Tactical Center was established in 1942 and trained combat units in tactical air power doctrine. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "(BISLEY MODEL) 45 COLT" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt logo. Wide, low hammer spur with wide trigger and characteristic "humpback" grip. Fitted with checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colt logo at the top. Provenance: USAAF Lt. Harry Rubin; Property of a Gentleman

Fine as a revolver that spent time in a subtropical climate during World War II in the hands of a USAAF officer. The barrel, cylinder, and ejector rod housing retain 60% original blue finish, and the grip straps retain 20% original blue finish. The frame and hammer retain 40% original case colors. There is some scattered pitting. The grips are excellent with a few handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The .45 ACP cylinder is excellent with 98% original blue. A Colt Bisley revolver with a World War II connection.