Colt Single Action Bisley Model revolver in .38-40 caliber with 5 ½” barrel, complete with holster. This very high condition Bisley with serial number 316578 was made in 1911. The most common caliber for the Bisley model was .32-20. Any other caliber could be considered more desirable. The .38-40 cartridge is simply the .44-40 necked down to take a “.40” diameter bullet- why Colt and Winchester didn’t name this cartridge the “.40-40” is a mystery as it does NOT fire a .38 caliber bullet! Thus, the .38-40 firing a 180 grain slug ahead of a full 40 grain charge of black powder was considered a very powerful handgun round. Later, the cartridge was loaded to the same velocity using cleaner burning smokeless powder. Colt Single Action Bisley revolvers found favor on the frontier and especially in the Southwestern United States. Most found today show hard use and often abuse. Rarely are they found with any appreciable finish remaining. This is an outstanding example that retains fine deep barrel and ejector housing blue with only normal light gray on the left side of the barrel and on the forward portion of the ejector housing from holster carry. The cylinder also shows fine thinning blue. The bottom of the trigger guard retains fine blue and only the grip straps are aging to gray/brown with good blue in the upper protected areas. Similarly, the butt shows fine deep blue. Remarkably, the frame retains fine light case colors with vivid case colors in the more protected areas- finding any case color on a Bisley is a true rarity. Bisley and Single Actions of this era rarely retain this much blue and case color making this example exceptional. All markings are clear with the correct “BISLEY MODEL” and caliber stamping on the left side of the barrel and Colt address on the top. The frame patent dates and rampant colt are also sharp and clear. The original checkered hard rubber grips are in fine condition showing only light wear and minor chipping at the bottom edge. The screw heads all appear excellent and some retain their original fire blue. The cylinder pin is also unmarred which is unusual and desirable. There is also good fire blue on the trigger sides along with good case color on much of the hammer. Also, the front sight has not been filed or altered and the bore is mirror-bright minty. The action is tight and the hammer has the correct four clicks. The included period correct style Mexican Loop holster was recently made by famed holster maker R. M. Bachman of Kalispell, Montana. It is fully suede lined with border stamping and maker marked on the outside loop. Overall, a superb 114 year old Colt Bisley in a large desirable caliber with custom holster. This revolver and holster weigh 3lbs. Serial Number: 316578.