Make: Colt

Model: Bisley Model

Serial Number: 318952

Year of Manufacture: 1911 (C&R)

Caliber: .41 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate and Six-Round Fluted Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4 3/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a square notch milled into the top strap. The notch has been slightly widened by hand to improve sight visibility.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece contemporary replacement hardwood panels with fine checkering, carved borders, and brass Colt “deep dish” medallions featuring the raised Rampant Colt. These medallions are deeply set into the wood, consistent with high-quality factory-style replacements from the period. The grips show scattered light handling marks and minor shrinkage but are structurally sound. The wood rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the grooves but no deep pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 20% of its original metal finish, primarily visible in the cylinder flutes, the rear of the cylinder, and protected areas along the ejector housing. The balance of the metal has worn to a uniform patinated gray-brown, consistent with age and honest use. The frame, trigger guard, backstrap, and loading gate all bear matching serial number 318952. Inspector and proof marks—including the Verified Proof (VP) and triangle Colt inspector’s stamp—are visible on the trigger guard. The patent dates and “(BISLEY MODEL) 41 COLT” barrel marking remain legible. The ejector rod housing and spring have been replaced. The screw heads show light tool marks but retain serviceable slots. This revolver rates in Very Good condition overall for its age.

Mechanics: The revolver is in functional condition. The cylinder times correctly and locks up solidly, the hammer cocks cleanly, and the ejector functions smoothly. However, the trigger must be manually reset after firing. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Colt Factory Archive Letter confirming configuration and shipment. This revolver was shipped on September 15, 1911, to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Company of El Paso, Texas, in a shipment of two guns.

Our Assessment: This factory-lettered Colt Bisley Model Revolver, serial number 318952, is a desirable frontier-era sidearm with real Texas roots. Chambered in .41 Colt with a 4 ¾” barrel, it shipped to the well-known El Paso outfitter Krakauer, Zork & Moye Company in 1911, placing it squarely in the American Southwest during a defining period of borderland lawmen, ranchers, and revolutionaries. The included factory letter confirms its original blue finish, barrel length, and rare chambering, while matching numbers and inspector marks support its authenticity.

Cosmetically, the revolver retains 20% of its original blue finish, particularly in the flutes and rear of the cylinder. The bore is remarkably bright with sharp rifling, showing only light erosion—an 8/10 in our estimation. The action locks up well, and aside from the manual trigger reset, all mechanical functions are solid. The rear sight notch has been widened slightly, a practical field-era modification. The checkered replacement grips with their carved borders and Colt “deep dish” medallions offer excellent period character and complement the revolver well. The ejector housing and spring are modern replacements but match the gun's tone.

Whether you're collecting Bisleys, frontier-era revolvers, or factory-documented Colts with real historical grounding, this example checks all the boxes. It’s a genuine piece of American Southwest history with character, provenance, and classic lines that stand tall in any vintage wheelgun collection.