Colt Bisley (1st Gen) - Value and Restoration?

CanadianAce

CanadianAce

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I have a 1st generation Colt SAA Bisley in .45LC that was manufactured in 1903. I am wondering about its value and whether I should look into having it restored. I have read several articles discussing why you should, or should not restore an old revolver. What I want to know is what is the going rate on this gun (good condition, still shoots great, some bluing intact, no rust, all original incl grips)? Is there anyone in Canada who specializes in restoring SAAs, and are they endorsed by Colt? How would restoring this gun affect its value (assuming it is done correctly)?
 
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1st Gen Colt SAA Restoration?

Leave it as is for the reasons cited above... ;)

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
I specialized in selling and evaluating antique and collectable firearms for 35 years. Leave it alone unless you know what you're doing. Clean it with non-abrasivesonly. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE REFINISH OR REBLUE IT! Don't mess with the screws unless you have the exact srewdrivers that fit. Old wood and tight seized screws = cracked wood and burred screws = value loss.
That's my advice...
 
Don't refinish, sell.

Too bad you didn't post pictures. A picture is truly worth a thousand words.
I might consider refinishing a beater, but a 1st gen Colt SAA I would not. I think I would rather sell it to a collector or Colt afficionado that would appreciate what it is. Its not a crime to sell it and raise some cash to buy what you want.
As for value, sight unseen, in working condtion, it would/might command the same price as a Colt new SAA or thereabouts.
Get a camera and post some pictures. We all would like to see it. The very smart guys at the Colt Forum could probably narrow the price down and you might even get an offer...
 
Not for sale... its an heirloom.

I don't ever plan on selling it. It has been passed down several generations and I plan on passing it on to my son. My inquiry is more to ensure it does not degrade any further.

Here is a picture of the revolver in its current condition.

ColtBisley.JPG


It may appear rusted in the image, but I assure you there is no rust on it. (Just the lighting from the camera flash) It has some blueing intact. There are some scratches on the barrel where someone tried to remove it without first removing the ejection pin. It is a used gun, and it is still used even now. I love shooting off some blackpowder rounds in the summer. Nothing like the smoky smell, and the cloud drifting across the range after each shot.
 
I would suggest go to Coltforum and ask the guys there.They have some very knowleagable folk there,and should answer your questions.

Looks like you have a pretty nice old gun there!
 
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