Lot 100

Outstanding Colt Bisley Single Action Army in Scarce .44 Russian

Previous image preload Next image preload

Outstanding Colt Bisley Single Action Army in Scarce .44 Russian

Estimate: $9,500 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $8,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver in Very Scarce .44 Russian with Factory Letter This stunning Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army revolver remains in a high state of condition and is factory chambered in the very uncommon .44 Russian caliber. The accompanying factory letter lists this Bisley Model revolver as shipped on May 5, 1909, to John B. Varick Company in Manchester, New Hampshire, in .44 Russian with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed, as the sole gun of its type in the shipment. It is one of only 90 Bisley Model Single Action Army revolvers recorded in factory ledgers as shipped in .44 Russian per the figures on page 252 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson. The Colt Bisley Model was only manufactured between 1894-1912, designed by Colt with accuracy and target shooting in mind. For many, the Bisley feels better in the hand and cocks and fires easier thanks to its lower and wider hammer and the wider trigger, making them excellent sidearms for serious marksmen. The revolver has the distinctive Bisley Model features which include the higher frame, humpback grip area, curved hammer with wide knurled spur, and wide trigger. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line Colt Hartford legend with "(BISLEY MODEL) 44 RUSSIAN CTG." on the left. A factory "VP" in a triangle proof and a "W" are stamped on the left of the trigger guard. It has a blade front sight, frame notch rear sight, and two-piece checkered hard rubber humpback grips with the Rampant Colt logo embossed in an oval at the tops. The matching full serial number is marked on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, with matching "9237" correctly hand etched on the interiors of the grips, an unnumbered cylinder, and assembly number "1946" on the loading gate.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 44 Russian

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number309237

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The Richard Ellis Collection; The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Excellent with a very fresh untouched appearance, retains 95% plus bright original high polish blue finish, 98% captivating original case colors, with light cylinder drag lines, light freckling on the backstrap, and absolutely sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grips are also excellent, flush fitting, with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This highly attractive Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army revolver in very scarce .44 Russian is quite possibly the finest surviving example of its kind.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000