Colt Bisley Model First Generation .38-40 WCF, 7.5 in Barrel, Full-Coverage Hand Engraved, Gold-Plated (1904)
This First Generation Colt Bisley Model, manufactured in 1904, stands out with full-coverage scroll-and-punch-dot hand engraving and a gold-plated finish over its steel construction. It features the longest cataloged 7.5 in barrel for the model, marked "BISLEY MODEL 38 W.C.F." with a Colt Hartford top address, and retains the Bisley pattern’s distinctive grip frame and low, wide hammer spur.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver is in solid functional shape. There are numerous scratches and blemishes throughout, with areas of pitting. The rifling remains visible but shows multiple surface defects. The gold plating shows wear in several areas.
What’s Included
- Colt Bisley Model revolver
This is a First Generation Bisley pattern revolver produced during the 1894–1915 run, with a 1904 manufacture date. It carries a six-shot fluted cylinder and fixed sights consisting of a blade front and gutter-groove rear, true to the model’s period configuration and intended use.
The full-coverage hand engraving uses a scroll-and-punch-dot motif that extends across the barrel, ejector housing, frame, cylinder, grip frame, backstrap, and small parts. The hammer is plain gold-plated with a checkered thumb spur and no scroll/punch-dot work. The gold-plated finish highlights the engraving while matching the cylinder, frame, and receiver finishes.
Bisley-specific ergonomics are present, including the Bisley grip frame with an enlarged trigger guard, a wide, curved trigger, and a low, wide, checkered hammer spur. Two-piece checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colt medallions complete the factory-style grip treatment.
Barrel markings include "BISLEY MODEL 38 W.C.F." on the left side and a Colt Hartford top address, with a two-line Colt patent legend on the frame. The right-side ejector-rod housing features a bullseye-style head, and the loading gate bears an assembly number. Chambered in .38-40 WCF, one of the Bisley’s common chamberings, and configured with the 7.5 in barrel length that represented the model’s longest cataloged option.