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  • Auction Catalog #74
  • Lot #89
Lot #88
Lot #90

Lot 89: Rare Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action

Rare and Desirable Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Army Revolver in Scarce 38-40 WCF with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 7, 2018

Lot 89: Rare Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action

Rare and Desirable Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Army Revolver in Scarce 38-40 WCF with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 7, 2018

Estimated Price: $9,000 - $15,000
Price Realized:
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Rare and Desirable Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Single Action Army Revolver in Scarce 38-40 WCF with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Bisley
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 38-40 WCF
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: hard rubber
Stock:
Item Views: 1956
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 49
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Manufactured in 1910 and chambered in the scarce 38-40 WCF cartridge. The letter validates the configuration of this revolver and lists it as one of three revolvers shipped on January 31, 1910, to Simmons Hardware Company in St Louis, Mo. These revolvers were designed as the premium Colt target revolver of the day with a redesigned grip 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 left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "three-date/two-line" patent markings followed by the circled 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 and 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, and only 98 were chambered in 38-40. The revolver is fitted with a smooth trigger. The v-notched target rear sight is dovetailed to the flattop 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 a casehardened finish. 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.

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 hammer has subdued original case colors. The grips are very fine with nice distinct checkering and markings. As noted, this desirable revolver has all matching numbers. This desirable revolver has a nice tight action with a good crisp trigger. Mechanically excellent.



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