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  • Auction Catalog #60
  • Lot #1155
Lot #1154
Lot #1156

Lot 1155: Colt Bisley Revolver 38-40 WCF

Rare Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Revolver in Scarce 38-40 WCF with Original Colt Storage/Display Box and Factory Documentation

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 8, 2013

Lot 1155: Colt Bisley Revolver 38-40 WCF

Rare Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Revolver in Scarce 38-40 WCF with Original Colt Storage/Display Box and Factory Documentation

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 8, 2013

Estimated Price: $13,000 - $19,000
Price Realized:
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Rare Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Revolver in Scarce 38-40 WCF with Original Colt Storage/Display Box and Factory Documentation

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Bisley
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 38-40 WCF
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: hard rubber
Stock:
Item Views: 1597
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 68
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This is a very fine example of a cased Colt Bisley Flattop Target revolver manufactured in 1910 chambered in the scarce 38-40 WCF cartridge, with a Colt factory letter. The letter validates the configuration of this revolver and lists it as one of three revolvers shipped on January 1910, to Simmons Hardware Company St Louis Mo. This revolver is accompanied by a Rare London Colt factory walnut storage/display case. The case has five interior compartments with green felt lining with the inside of the lid having a small paper label affixed that is marked "Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing/26. Glasshouse Street/Piccadilly Circus, London". The case has an area for the revolver, ammunition storage block, cleaning equipment and accessories. These revolvers were designed as the premium Colt target revolver of the day with a redesigned frame which provided a better grip angle for competitive target shooting. The term Bisley was actually adopted after a group of British pistol shooters used these very successfully at the Bisley matches in England. The top of the barrel is marked with the one line Colt address markings with the left side of the barrel marked, "(Bisley Model) 38 W.C.F.". The scarcity of this caliber is that it was not one of the better target cartridges of the day. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "three-date/two-line" patent markings followed by the encircled Rampant Colt trademark. The frame, trigger guard back strap and right grip are all correctly numbered and matching and the cylinder is unnumbered which is correct for this period of revolver. There is a "7" stamped on the face of cylinder with a small "41" on the underside of the barrel, indicating, ".401" bore which is correct for the 38 W.C.F. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "6" and so is the backside of the frame. Total Bisley Flattop production was approximately 976 revolvers. The revolver is fitted with a smooth trigger with the v-notched target rear sight, dovetailed to the flat top strap and is drift adjustable for windage. The front sight consists of two steel blocks with an adjustable German silver blade in the middle. The distinctive Bisley hammer has polished sides and a niter blue top and spur. Originally these pistols had the Colt high polish blued finish with the black hard rubber two-piece checkered grips having the Rampant Colt trademark in an oval at the top. As noted this is accompanied by a very rare London Colt storage case.

Rating Definition:

Very fine with 75% of the original Colt blue finish overall, with wear on the edge and high spots, with blue loss on the front of the cylinder, both grip straps, the side of the muzzle and ejector housing, with a clear drag line on the cylinder. The grips are very fine with nice distinct checkering and markings. As noted this desirable revolver has all matching numbers. The Colt London case is in very good condition with some heavier scratches/pressure dents and handling marks on top of the lid, with the hinges and front lock intact. The lining shows dark stains overall with some minor tearing at the top where it came in contact with the rear sight. This desirable revolver has a nice tight action with a good crisp trigger. Mechanically excellent.



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