Documented factory engraved Colt Bisley Model Revolvers are a true rarity in Colt collecting. In his “Colt Engraving Book, Vol. I,” Colt historian R.L. Wilson clearly points out the extreme difficulty in finding a documented factory engraved Bisley. Wilson wrote, “Not more than sixty Bisley Model revolvers are listed in Colt records as engraved” (page 451). With only 60 officially recorded as factory engraved, there are not enough to satisfy collector demand, leaving examples out of even the most advanced collections. Here is a real opportunity to fill that void in your collection. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 ¾ inch barrel in .38-40 caliber, nickel plating and factory engraving with type of stocks not listed as well as confirming the revolver was shipped on May 18, 1907, and delivered to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co. of El Paso, Texas. This was a single gun shipment. The factory records also indicate the revolver was returned to the factory on October 29, 1907, and subsequently shipped back to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co. on November 18, 1907. Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co. was a leading retailer in the Southwest, and the mercantile even had a branch in Chihuahua, Mexico. Being a factory confirmed Texas shipped gun only enhances the desirability for this Bisley. Colt's single action is forever linked to the American West, and no state retains as strong of a cowboy heritage as Texas! During this period, many El Paso shipped Colts found their way to Texas oil fields such as Spindletop which led to the Texas oil boom. The Cuno A. Helfricht pattern engraving consists mostly of his signature floral scrollwork on punch dot background along with fan motifs on the loading gate and recoil shield and zig-zag line and dot motifs featured most prominently on the ejector rod housing, top strap, rear of cylinder, back strap, butt, and trigger guard. Bisley revolvers nos. 292113 and 292642 feature similar factory engraving, and these two revolvers were also shipped to El Paso, Texas. Note that all three of these factory engraved, Texas shipped Bisley Model revolvers fall into the 292000 serial number range with 292642 being only 5 numbers away from this example no. 292637. It is therefore likely that the Colt factory pulled a batch of Bisley Models from the 292000 serial number range destined for special embellishment. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and “(BISLEY MODEL) 38 W.C.F.” on the left side, all inside panels. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates inside a banner followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped with a Colt “VP” factory triangle proof and “6.” Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number 3213” is marked on the loading gate. The revolver is fitted with two-piece grips featuring a relief carved steer head on the right panel, the perfect decoration for a Texas shipped Colt.

Fine, retaining 70% original nickel plating with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The right grip panel has a repair which does not distract from the stunning relief carved steer head; otherwise, the period grips are fine with some typical age lines and attractive grain and color. Mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to acquire one of the few documented original factory engraved Colt Bisley Model Revolvers. Of those, one has to wonder how many they will ever be offered in their lifetime, especially one shipped to Texas!