Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
few Colt revolvers to be stamped with its model designation.
Easy identification of the Bisley is made by its name marked on the barrel. Other points of identification include: the hunchbacked backstrap and grip profile, the low profile wide spur hammer, and large trigger guard bow. Source of the name was the shooting ground in England at which Great Britain’s national target matches have been held since the nineteenth century. Despite its target design, the Bisley proved a popular firearm for other purposes, and occasionally specimens can be seen in faded photographs from the American frontier. Sales were good in England, but most Bisleys were bought by American customers. Black powder models are scarce. In lesser condition grades they tend to bring 10 percent to 20 percent premium while in “EXC” and better they may bring up to 50 percent premium.
Standard model, blued and casehardened finish:
5B-149
| 5B-149 | Values—Good $850 | Fine $2,500 |
Model for British market. Barrel has regular COLT/HARTFORD one line markings with addition of DEPOT 14, PALL MALL LONDON:
| 5B-149.5 | Values—Good $950 | Fine $2,500 |
Rare calibers and variations: As with the single action model, many calibers are considered either scarce or rare. Prices can increase 50 percent to 500 percent depending on relative rarity and quantities produced of other calibers. Colt references should be consulted to verify such facts. Variations in barrel lengths other than the three basic sizes, or unusual finishes, grips, London markings will demand a premium value.
Colt Bisley Model Flattop Target Revolver
Bisley Model Flattop Target Revolver. Made c. 1894 to 1913; total produced about 976.
Values shown for the following calibers and respective quantities: 32-20 (131); 38 Colt (96); 38-40 (98); 44-40 (78); 45 (97); 455 Eley (196).
Premiums usually added for rarer calibers: 32 Colt (44); 32 S& W (17); 32-44 (17); 38 S& W (5); 38-44 (47); 41 (24); 44 German (62); 44 S& W (64).
Standard barrel length 7-1/2"; custom lengths known; very rare.
Grips of checkered hard rubber; with checkered walnut also available. Metal parts blued, with casehardened hammers.
Serial numbered within the range 156300 - 325000; within the sequence of the Single Action Army. Barrel marking: COLT’S PT.F.A.MFG.CO. HARTFORD,CT.U.S.A. Frame markings of 2-line 1871, 1872, and 1875 patent dates and the rampant colt were standard. Caliber markings on left side of the barrel, accompanied by: (BISLEY MODEL).
In addition to the features standard to the Bisley model, the Target Model features the flattop frame with rear sight dovetailed into position, the removable sight insert in the front sight post, and the lack of a groove in the topstrap. A fair degree of variation has been noted in the Bisley Flattop group, reflecting the particular interests of target shooters.
Standard model, blued finish, 7-1/2" barrel:
5B-150
| 5B-150 | Values—Very Good $3,750 | Exc. $10,000 |
Model for British market. Barrel has regular COLT/HARTFORD markings with addition of DEPOT 14, PALL MALL LONDON:
| 5B-150.5 | Values—Very Good $3,750 | Exc. $8,500 |
Rare calibers and variations: See note regarding same on the standard Bisley single action. Identical price increase will apply in the matter of rare calibers, odd barrel lengths other than the standard 7-1/2", finishes, grips or London markings.
Colt House and Cloverleaf Model Revolvers
House Model Revolver. Manufactured c. 1871-76; total quantity of 9,952. Serial numbering began with 1 and continued through the highest number. More popularly known among collectors as the “Jim Fisk model” due to its infamous use by a blackmailer to murder the notorious financier-playboy Jim Fisk in January, 1872 in New York City. The sordid affair over a woman received much attention of the news media of the era.
41 rimfire caliber (short or long ctg.). Basic types categorized as follows:
4-shot cylinder model, known as the Cloverleaf (due to the four-leaf clover appearance of the cylinder from front or rear), was made in 1-1/2" and 3" barrel lengths. Most of the production (totaling 7,500 pieces) were of the 4-shot type, and the majority of these had 3" barrels; these were marked: COLT’S HOUSE PISTOL/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. The left side of 1-1/2" barrels bore: COLT.
5-shot cylinder model (with straight, non-fluted cylinder), known as the House Pistol, was made only in a 2-5/8" barrel length. Total production was about 2,150, with serial numbers above the 6100 range. Distinctive marking is in the topstrap groove: PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871.
Grips of both 4- and 5-shot pistols were varnished walnut or rosewood. Standard finish of frames nickel plated or plain, the balance of major parts nickel plated or blued. Brass frames on all models.
Major variations are:
Cloverleaf Model, with 1-1/2" round barrel; 4-shot cylinder; ejector rod is contained within the cylinder center pin and is removable for use, without necessity to remove cylinder (octagon barrel rare; worth 25 percent to 50 percent more):
| 5B-151 | Values—Good $825 | Fine $2,750 |
Cloverleaf Model, with 3" round barrel; 4-shot cylinder.
5B-152
| 5B-152 | Values—Good $450 | Fine $1,250 |
House Model, standard 2-5/8" barrel, 5-shot cylinder. The cylinder pin was in combination with the ejector, necessitating removal of the cylinder in order to eject ctgs.
5B-153
| 5B-153 | Values—Good $400 | Fine $1,100 |
Colt First Model Deringer
First