RARE 1912 Colt SAA "Bisley Model", 32 S&W, Revolver (W/ Letter), SN - 323011

This highly desirable Colt "Bisley Model" Single Action Army Revolver is chambered for .32 S&W. The Colt Bisley (1894–1912) was introduced as an accurate target pistol. The name Bisley came from the famous firing range in Bisley, England. It was produced in many popular calibers, but only very few in .32 S&W. The .32 S&W Single Action Army was made on special orders only. The Colt Bisley can be distinguished by the longer grip, the wider hammer spur, and the wider trigger. Bisleys were serial-numbered in the range of 156300–331916, in the same sequence as the Single Action Army. All Bisleys after No. 161,376 had "BISLEY MODEL" with the caliber stamped on the left side of the barrel which is rare for older Colt revolvers. The most common were in the American calibers of .32-20, .38-40, .45 Colt, .44-40, .41 Long Colt and also in the British calibers of .450 Eley and .455 Eley. A total number of 44,350 were manufactured. Production of the Bisley was terminated in 1912, but serial No. 331916 was shipped after the First World War. This gun is numbers matching - frame, trigger guard, frame butt, grips & cylinder. The loading gate is stamped "981" but is certainly factory and appears to be period correct. According to the Colt Archives Department, this "Bisley Model" left the factory on June 11, 1912, in a shipment of "1" to "H.L. Smith". Factory records also indicate that this gun was originally assembled in 32-20 caliber and the special factory re-chambering was most likely done sometime between 1912 & 1920. (Colt did not keep records for guns sent back for re-chambering). It is also very likely that the loading gate was replaced at the time of the 32 S&W update. The Bisley Model was offered in 4.75", 5.5" & 7.5" barrel lengths. This gun sports a 7.5" barrel which is the most desirable to a collector. The finish retains much of the original bluing (no re-bluing or restoration has been done), and the original black hard rubber checkered grips with embossed Rampant Colt are in excellent condition. The bore is shiny & clean with excellent deep rifling (no pitting). This gun has nice timing and appears to be in good working order; however, the hammer's "4th click" is very soft and may need some adjustment. The consignor of this gun purchased it at a local gun store in Tennessee in the early 1970s, and it has never been offered at public auction. This is a very rare opportunity to purchase an original Colt "Bisley Model" chambered in .32 S&W on a "No-Reserve" auction. Even the top Colt Collectors are missing a .32 S&W Bisley in their collection.