New 1909 Bisley Colt 45 owner!

[Viperdude]

Howdy all,

Growing up I always saw those cool Colt 45's in the museums and always wanted one. I just picked up one today and am excited about it.

Just wondering if anyone knows more about these guns and of course how do I protect/maintain it so I keep the original finish in tact as much as possible. I would like to clean it but do not want to be harsh on the finish in anyway so tips here would be appreciated.

The gun was reported to be and looks to be all original. The person I got it from had it for 30 years and kept it in a safe. The screws don't look touched so it may have never been dissasembled. Some of the bluing still shows. All four actions click and are solid. I was told black checkered grips were original as well and they do look it. I also received an extra set of real ivory grips that appear to be very old but in very nice shape with colt emblems.

Serial number is 309906.

The ivory grips appear dull in photo but actually have a shiny finish.


Colt 45 2 small.jpgColt 45 1 small.jpg

[StandingWolf]

Sweet! I've handled a Bisley, but never shot one. It felt right in the hand.

[Mike Armstrong]

What a sweet ol' hawgleg! If those grips are real ivory, they are worth a pretty penny, too.

[Viperdude]

Thanks guys! Oh yes, the ivory grips are definately real ivory.

Any thoughts on how to clean it/keep it clean without removing any finish or diminishing it's value?

And any thoughts on it's value? Ivory grips value?

Thanks!!!

[Kid Sopris]

I won't comment on the gun regarding value but it's a nice one...The grip panels would easily bring $500.00...If you ordered a new set from Nutmeg I suspect you would pay that and then some.

[what would you say]

Nice Viperdude. I think every Colt collection needs a Bisley in there somewhere. I'd say that one is in very good shape. I think Bisley's tended to be those class of guns that lived in the top dresser drawer back in the day instead of getting the abuse that the standard singles did. (not always the case of course). "Storing and caring for gun" answers on here can be interesting.. I didn't know there was so many ways !! I bet somebody has got a way to suspend a Colt in mid-air where it simply hovers in the gun safe.. moisture free of course.

[what would you say]

I would like to add that there are some Colts pictured on here that fully deserve to be stored in a no expense spared environment.

[Viperdude]

i bet somebody has got a way to suspend a colt in mid-air where it simply hovers in the gun safe.. Moisture free of course.

[Roninrlm]

NICE pistol. I have never seen a Bisley with Ivory grips. Wish you had a larger and better pic.

Ronin

[Viperdude]

Thank you! I'll try to take better ones tomorrow and post them up.