North American Auction Company
Timed Auction

Last Chance March 2025 Passed Lots Sale - End April 4th

Mon, Mar 31, 2025 02:00AM EDT - Fri, Apr 4, 2025 03:00PM EDT
  2025-03-31 02:00:00 2025-04-04 15:00:00 America/New_York North American Auction Company North American Auction Company : Last Chance March 2025 Passed Lots Sale - End April 4th https://live.naabid.com/auctions/north-american-auction/last-chance-march-2025-passed-lots-sale---end-april-4th-19166
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North American Auction Company tucker@naabid.com
Timed Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot
Lot 233

Colt Single Action Bisley .38-40 Cal Revolver

Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Starting Bid
$3,200

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
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.

After you have succeessfully completed your purchase, including payment of your item, the shipping process will begin. Our company has partnered with a few local third party shipping vendors. Shipping will be handled between these third party business and the buyer. Auction company is not responsible for shipment or any duties there-in unless stated below. Firearms will be shipped by our company. Once you invoice has been paid for contact Mark at 800-686-4216 ext. 3 for shipping infomation on firearms. After your invoice has been paid one of the below third party shippers will pickup your items. Once these companies have created a shipping quote for you they will contract you using the contact information you have provided on your auction registration. Make sure to include the shipping address and correct contact information for a success shipping experience. For questions on shipping please contract the companies below or JoEllen at 800-686-4216 ext. 1 For shipping quotes please contract the companies below: "The UPS Store” #2420 1106 W Park St, Livingston, MT 59047 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 6:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, CLOSED Phone: 406-222-4971 Fax: 406-222-9257 Email: store2420@theupsstore.com Postal Annex 280 West Kagy Boulevard D, Bozeman, MT 59715 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, CLOSED Phone: 406-219-2210 Fax: 406-219-2209 Email: pa14012@postalannex.com