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RARE 1901 Colt Bisley-Model Target .32-20 – Factory Carved Ivory Grips – Nebraska and Wyoming Ranching History
Guns International #: 103517643 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Bisley - Colt Revolvers - Single Action Army - 1st Gen
Seller's Information
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Seller: Bookhouse Boys
Member Since: 10/14/24
First Name: Andy
Last Name: Ebling
State: Minnesota
Zip: 55057
Country: United States
Phone: (507) 301-9053
Number of Active Listings: 2
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
NO RETURNS OFFERED ON USED ANTIQUE GUNS
Payment Types Accepted: Cashier's Checks, Personal Checks, USPS Money Orders
Description:
***Please reach out for further pictures. I can send 60+ high resolution photos via sharable link.***
Here is a RARE 1 of 131 made in .32 W.C.F. (.32-20) chambered Bisley Model Target revolver made in 1901, wearing factory carved steer-head ivory grips, and shipped to an individual on the Archive Letter. This gun has EXTRA provenance with the accompanying Arms Chronicle research letter that shows the entry for this gun in the original Colt Special Order Ledger, as well as the extra shipping details found in the 1901 Destination Ledger showing the details where it shipped.
Bisley Target serial number 205157 was sold through Simmons Hardware in September of 1901 to an individual named Frank Beers, a rancher from west Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. As Beers owned large tracts of land, he ran herds of thousands of sheep (and some cattle) in this region, in addition to being an early pioneer era County Commissioner. He was an early lumber/dry goods seller in Mitchell, Nebraska. A historical article on Beer’s life is available for anyone interested in reading it prior to buying. Research files (copious) compiled on this individual will be available to any buyer. The Colt Archives letter and the Arms Chronicle research letter will both be provided to the buyer with the revolver. Please note also the added provenance with images from both the Colt Special Order Ledger, as well as the entry from the 1901 Destination Ledger, both from our archival collections and holdings.
The following is my subjective view, and it’s entirely up to you to judge condition from the photos provided. This gun is in original condition, showing the effects of deliberate time period use, but not necessarily abuse. The remaining original blue finish has worn and faded to a splotchy plum brown in spots, with remaining blue in other lower relief areas. Nitre bluing is also still found on a few small areas of the revolver. The metal surface shows nicks, abrasions, scuffs, gouges, rust/pitting, marks of all kinds. The photos best describe the condition. This gun does not appear to have been refinished. There is a feint X just behind the hammer on the upper portion of the back strap. The gun shows some overworked screw heads, with slight gouge damage around them, specifically on the left side of the frame. Barrel condition shows considerable corrosion, but lands/grooves are still defined enough to differentiate. The gun appears to be functional, though with it being an antique weapon, I do not advise any use and sell it as a collectible piece of history. The original carved ivory grips are marked on the inside, F. Beers 1902. They show checking from age/use and are slightly shrunken.
The factory ivory grip option, alone, is a hyper rarity for Bisley Model Target revolvers. An extremely low percentage of the total run of 976 Bisley Target guns were specified with exotic grips of any kind. Formerly of the Charlie Marx collection.
All In All: This gun is in honest original condition, is a rare model with a really rare grip feature, has verified orginal owner info & western 1901 circa ranching history, and includes added wonderful time period provenance and documentation.
Price: $8,750.00 (shipped/insured on my dime)
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Photo NOTES: I apply a light coat of oil to guns prior to taking photos, so that might account for a slight oil sheen on some photos. Changes between photos of color are accounted for in lighting in my studio with position changes of my camera or the subject.
Terms/Conditions:
Payments: I accept cashier’s checks/ USPS Money orders (ships business day after arriving), or personal checks (ships 5 business days after arriving). Business wire transfers are possible, and the item ships within 1-2 business days of transfer. Payments in verifiable bullion content possible, too.
FFL: Post 1898 guns require a C&R FFL or 01 FFL license for transfer. Depending on the state (looking at you, Illinois), Pre 1898 guns do require an FFL in a few special instances.
Shipping Policy: I ship common carrier (Fedex or UPS), and sometimes ship through Shipoutdoors, which may have a predetermined list of FFL’s in your area. Pre-1898 guns ship via USPS registered mail. I require insurance on all shipments, as well as direct adult signature upon delivery. Attempting to rerout or having shipments held away from the FFL’s premise address is prohibited. In person transfers are not possible at this time.
No Returns. As I only sell used guns, I do not offer returns. This is due to some buyers having previously taken advantage of me in changing parts out on guns they returned to me and one case where a buyer literally broke a functioning part of a gun that was perfectly fine when I shipped it to him. You’re looking at a used gun, so please measure your expectations against that concept, but I will do my absolute best to describe the flaws as I do the attributes. I can send high resolution photos via sharable link and would encourage you to ask for this. I research and then describe to the absolute best of my ability of doing this for 15+ years. If you have questions, just ask. I’m very responsive and absolutely happy to help. Bottom Line: I want you to be happy and I operate on a NO SURPRISES philosophy.
In the case of a damaged shipment: YOU OR YOUR FFL MUST ACCURATELY DOCUMENT DAMAGE UPON ARRIVAL. I pack items extremely securely. I use special tape that will display an OPENED logo if the box has been breached. Shipping damage claims will be compensated back on the basis of how much I can recoup from any claim with the carrier. I insure for the full value of a shipment, but if you or your FFL do not document it with the carrier at the time of arrival, I likely cannot pursue a damage claim.
Shipping Locations: No shipping to California, unfortunately. Rest of USA is fine.
My Background: In addition to being a licensed 01 FFL (Bookhouse Boys LLC), I'm a LIFE member of CCA (Colt Collectors Association), a LIFE member of TGCA (Texas Gun Collectors Association).
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32 WCF, .32-20 Marlin, .32 Colt Lightning )