Beschreibung:

The following information comes from the "Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson, page 266 caption E, "Originally shipped as a .38-40 with 4 - 3/4" barrel. Returned to the factory in the mid-1920's and rebuilt by the Colt's Custom Gun Department. Converted to a Sheriff's Model frame with 3" barrel, .45 caliber. Made for early arms collector J.C. Harvey; and illustrated on Page 156 of the Pioneer Colt Book: A History of the Colt Revolver, by Haven and Belden (1940). Factory rework numbers J 787 B marked on the muzzle end of the cylinder, and 787 B marked on the back flat of the loading gate, and on the left side of the backstrap and trigger guard strap (under left grip). Although not present on No. 322123, a star or ampersand on the trigger guard is another indication of factory refinish (gun was refinished at time of conversion by factory). This custom revolver was the last Bisley Sheriff's Model manufactured, extremely rare. Serial No. 259336 and No. 322123 are the only authentic specimens known to the authors." This book was written in 1971. This gun is illustrated in color on page 238, illustration D, of the same book. There is no notation by R.L. Wilson in regards to the serial number stamping of this revolver as the number "1" is a larger font. We believe that this is the revolver shown in this book as the case coloring of the frame is a match. This revolver was found in Europe and imported back to America and has a "SIMPSON LTD" import stamp on bottom of frame. PROVENANCE: R.Q. Sutherland collection. CONDITION: Serial No. 2123 is scratched into right grip panel. Gun has matching numbers on frame, trigger guard and backstrap; 322 is illegible from the 1920's factory refinish. Barrel has 2-line address on top and "BISLEY MODEL 45 COLT" on left side. 2-line patent with pony in circle on left side of frame. The "VP" proof on left front trigger guard is weak. All other legends are sharp as new. CONDITION: The gutta percha Colt grips have softened to a dark chocolate brown and are near mint. All screw heads are near perfect with most of the original blue finish. Case colors on frame remain at 85% with some light toning on top strap, loss of color on left recoil shield but majority of case colors are brilliant. Barrel has a mere hint of muzzle wear. Trigger guard has a hint of high edge wear. All blued surfaces remain at a solid 99%. Hammer retains 95% brilliant case colors. Cylinder has a light drag line and a hint of high edge wear, still a solid 98% or better. Functions like new with near mint to mint bore. Name Value Accessories Barrel Length 3" Caliber/Bore .45 Colt FFL Status Curio & Relic Manufacturer Colt Model Bisley Paperwork Serial Number 322123