Documented Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver Shipped to Sights Inventor and Businessman W.F. Sheard with Rare Factory Picture Box and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1911. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish and type of stocks not listed when it was sold and shipped to W.F. Sheard of Tacoma, Washington, on March 8, 1911, as a single gun shipment. W.F. Sheard (1861-1932) was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to English born parents. In his teens, he worked for the St. Paul based Kennedy Brothers in the gun and sporting goods business while attending business college at night. Around the age of 20, Sheard founded his own sporting goods and fur trading business in Montana, quickly growing to the largest business of its kind in the western states, Canada and Alaska. In 1895, Sheard moved his business to Tacoma, Washington, where this revolver was shipped. His clients included the Vanderbilts and Astors. Sheard was also a professional shooter, big game hunter and guide, but he is best known as the inventor of the Sheard rifle sight, "one of the best appurtenances ever put on a gun," claimed one admirer, and held patents on several gun sight designs. His popular sights were fitted on guns built by the most popular firearm manufacturers of his day. One period publication went as far as to proclaim, "All western professional hunters swear by [Sheard's] Gold Bead and pronounce it, by far, the best sight made." Includes consignor research. The barrel has the one-line address on top and "(BISLEY MODEL) 45 COLT" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a circled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap and both grip panels. Comes with a rare Colt Bisley picture box numbered to a different gun and two bore rods. Manufacturer: Colt Model: Bisley BBL: 7 1/2 inch round Stock: Gauge: 45 LC Finish: blue/casehardened Grips: hard rubber Serial Number: 317213 Class: Curio & Relic Handgun Condition: Excellent. The revolver retains 95% plus original blue finish with the balance thinning to a brown. The hammer and frame retain 90% plus original case colors. The grips are excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with repairs and retaining most of the very fine original picture label. A factory documented Bisley revolver shipped to famed sights inventor W.F. Sheard that will be a great addition to even the most advance Colt SAA collections.

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by Rock Island Auction Company
December 2, 2017 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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