GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT BISLEY MODEL SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH TWO-PIECE MOTHER-OF-PEARL GRIPS.COLTBISLEY23820144 RUSSIAN & SPCLMODERN; C&RCal. 44 RUSSIAN & S&W spcl. 7-1/2" bbl, blue and case hardened finish, two-pc mother-of-pearl grips. This revolver was orig manufactured in 1902 as a 4-3/4" 32-20 plain blue revolver shipped to Kansas City, MO on December 29, 1902. At later date during engraving career of Wilbur A. Glahn (Circa 1919-1950)this revolver was returned to Colt factory to be re-barreled and re-chambered for 44 cal Russian/Special. The bbl was changed to a 7-1/2" version and the cyl was replaced. Backstrap and trigger were finely checkered. At the same time, this revolver was masterfully engraved by Colt factory engraver Wilbur Glahn creating one of the most rare of all Bisley single action Colt revolvers with only 90 Bisley models manufactured in this cal. The engraving is "B Coverage" and exhibits all of the characteristics of Glahn''s engraving including flowers in scroll work and a Chevron on recoil shield and loading gate. Revolver also shows factory re-work marks "1220" on frame, grip straps, and cyl. PROVENANCE: Accompanying this revolver is a letter from Colt historian Beverly Jean Haynes showing the orig shipment to J. F. Schmelzer and Sons Arms Co., Kansas City, MO December 29, 1902 in a four-gun shipment. There is no record of the return and re-work. Also included is a 15-page letter from noted Colt authority R. L. Wilson touting the importance of this significant revolver and attributing the engraving to Wilbur A. Glahn. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent. Bbl retains 95% bright mirror blue finish with slight muzzle wear on left side and front sight. Cal mark and bbl address is sharp. Engraving is sharp. Bore is bright with sharp rifling. Cyl retains 95% bright blue finish with only minimal high point wear and slightest of drag marks. Frame retains 90% case color that is vivid in protected areas. Patent mark and Rampant Colt are clear. Trigger guard and backstrap retain 95% bright blue. Right rear bow of trigger guard shows remnants of factory re-work stamp. Hammer retains 90% bright case colors with some scratching on either side. Pearl grips are very good with only a few miniscule chips off bottom with a small repair to left bottom grip. Left grip needs to be re-fit. An opportunity to purchase a rare and unique Bisley remodeled revolver. 49506-1 TEP (9,000-14,000)