Colt SAA Bisley First Generation- Need Estimate Of Value From Colt Collectors

rfo1

rfo1

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Hello Colt collectors. I would appreciate your estimate of value on this firearm. I recently acquired an old Colt 1977 SAA Bisley, first generation , with serial number 314612. According to the information I have gathered this revolver was produced in 1910. It has a 5.5 inch barrel, it is all numbers matching, with the original black plastic Colt grips in good condition. The caliber is .32-20 making the revolver a 12-6 prohibited handgun. I have only dry fired it and it seems to function perfectly. Please give me an idea of its worth. I realize because it is a 12-6 handgun the value is diminished. Perhaps I'd do better by exporting this firearm to the USA for resale ? Your thoughts please--



 
A 32-20 Bisley sold at the Switzers Auction today for $800 (plus the buyers fees = 920) - I think the Switzer one had some problems (Ring or Bulge in the barrel?)
 
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I think the price that it's up on the EE for is reasonable, I don't know if you'd make much more money by exporting to the US. Seeing as it isn't antique in on either side of the border it will most likely require import markings if going into the USA - this will plummet the value there relative to other Colts. If I am entirely honest, this gun has a pretty rough appearance, lots of pitting and near zero finish remaining, neither patina or bluing (the lighting appears incredibly harsh in these photos so I may be incorrect).

.32-30 also suffers in the collector world as it is neither rare nor excessively desirable. Of course it is a nifty little cartridge and has it's followers (myself included) but if someone wanted a common caliber they would likely choose a .45 Colt or .44-40 first, and if a rarer SAA caliber was wanted there are other much scarcer options like .450 Eley, .45 Boxer, .44 Rimfire and so on. The .32-20 is even in fact the most produced caliber of the 1st Gen Bisleys.

I'd personally be interested in adding another .32-20, however I have found the Bisley grip to be extremely uncomfortable compared to the plows-head style, this has the potential to be another detractor or possibly a benefit to a prospective Bisley purchaser. The gun does gain some points though as it is clearly into the smokeless era which would make it more desirable as a shooter.
 
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