Colt Bisley Model Revolver with Colt factory letter that states that it was sold to "G.G. Gonzolas" and shipped to the Wyeth Hardware & Manufacturing Co., in St. Joseph, Missouri, on June 11, 1906. The letter states that the revolver was 45 caliber with a 4 3/4-inch barrel, "silver" finish, "Pearl covered steer head" stocks and factory engraving. The revolver is inscribed: "G.G. GONZALES" in a zig-zag engraved panel on the back strap. The engraving consists of bold Germanic scroll-work on a punch-dot background and was probably executed by Cuno Helfricht or his shop. Factory engraved Colt Bisley Model revolvers are very rare; Colt expert R.L. Wilson states that Colt factory records indicate that less than 60 Colt Bisley revolvers were factory engraved. The revolver has a silver-plated barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The hammer is color casehardened and the trigger and screws are niter blue. The pearl grips are inlaid with nickel-silver Colt medallions and the right grip is relief carved with a steer head. The revolver has the distinctive Bisley frame, humpback grips, low-profile, wide spur hammer and wide trigger. The hammer spur has bordered knurling. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "COLT'S PT F.A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in a panel formed by zig-zag engraving. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-date/two-line patent markings in and engraved panel and the Rampant Colt trademark in an engraved circle. The Colt "Triangle/VP" proofmark is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow and the assembler's mark "3" is stamped on the left rear. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "651". The full serial number, "278932" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "8932 B" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and on the underside of the barrel beneath the ejector housing.

Very fine. The revolver retains 75% plus of the original silver-plated finish. The silver plating has tarnished in exposed areas. The engraving and markings are sharp and deep. The trigger and frame screws retain most of the fire-blue finish. The case colors on the hammer have silvered. The right grip is very fine with sharp relief craving. The left grip has two repaired hairline cracks. The action functions perfectly. This is a fully documented example of a very rare factory engraved and inscribed, silver-plated Bisley Model Single Action revolver with relief-carved ivory grips. Few collections can boast about having a factory engraved Colt Bisley Revolver. Now is your opportunity!