Interesting Bisley

[Blackpowder Burn]

I got this Bisley a couple of years ago, coming out of an estate sale.  The serial number dates the gun to 1900.  Here is where it gets interesting.
- Accorgin to a Colt letter I got on it, it started life as a 4-3/4" blued 32/20.
- Currently chambered for 44 Russian/Colt/Special.  Correctly marked per Colt standards
- Vent rib added (perhaps by Kings Gunworks?)
- Nickeled.  Beautiful job, sharp edges on all lettering and logos.  Looks like an original factory job
- As best I can determine from internet research and home testing, real ivory grips.

She shoots absolutely beautifully.

I'm just curious if any of you have any different ideas on who (if anyone) might have done this type of work besides Kings.  All the work is exceptionally nice and I would have taken it for factory if not for the vent rib, and the fact that Colt didn't chamber the 44 Special in the Bisley until 1908.

[Blackpowder Burn]

OOPS!!  I've been away from the forum for quite a while and just noticed down below I'd already posted this a couple of years ago.  Please forgive my less than reliable memory...........

[Professor Marvel]

No worries on reposting!

Any Bisley eyecandy is appreciated.

As you said, Kings was the well known aftermarket place for vent ribs and adjustable sights.
I recall finding hundreds of adverts from Kings, but not much for any one else.

It wasnt until the 1950 s or 1960s that Bowmar and pachmeyr got into it big ( i think thats the timeframe but could well be wrong).

Yhs
Prof Marvel

[Tascosa Joe]

Christy's in CA did a lot of post WWII rebuilding of SA's.  Enjoy your find.
T-Joe
Gig'm

[Coffinmaker]

  BPB   

Never Fear.  Those of us whom lurk here will NEVER turndown that kind of "Eye Candy."  I am personally not know to be a "Colt" aficionado.  Nor Collector.  Most of the time I am want to lament most current Colt sample examples are WAY over priced for what you get.

THAT Bisley, however, is some tasty.  I could be talked into it.  No matter who built it.  Whom doesn't matter.  It is a superb example of craftsmanship and an incredibly FINE Single Action. 

Feel free to post even more Tin Types of it.  Yum Yum   

[Blackpowder Burn]

Coffinmaker,

Yep, I still get it out just to look at it and wonder how the heck I ever stumbled over it and why the guy sold it so cheap.

I've actually got another 4-3/4" 32WCF Bisley that's identical to how this one started out.  I'm seriously thinking about having it make into a mechanical twin of this one (sans vent rib and nickel plating).  Alan Harton in Houston has quoted me a fairly reasonable price to do so.  I'd just have it blued and case hardened, but would still make a nice pair to play cowboy with.

They'd be really pussycats with 44 Russian or 44 Colt BP loads.

[Professor Marvel]

Coffinmaker,

Yep, I still get it out just to look at it ....

Oh My yesssssss.
My preciousssss.

I would be inclined to work up ultra light parlor loads for it so you could shoot it in the living room....
just like Sherlock Holmes...

yhs
prof lost his marbels

[Coffinmaker]

BPB 

Dunno but what I'd be tempted to copy the Vent Rib for 4 3/4 length barrel just to have ME and MINI-ME together.  Nickel too.  Or not.  Would also be Uber KOOL to have a pair of 7 1/2, 44s, Vent Rib and all.  One nickel, one CCH/Blue.

That Vent Rib Bisley is just SOO DAMN KOOL!!  Delicious comes to mind.  Yes it does.  And I could certainly be observed inna Front Room inna Recliner wid Parlor loads,  Oh boy you betcha!!!

[Blackpowder Burn]

Who would you find these days to do a vent rib like that?