So I've been into collecting the iconic guns of American history. I have a Colt 1911, a Colt AR-15, a Winchester 94, and have been on the hunt for a Colt Single Action Army. So I recently came across an affordable example to add to my collection.
Colt Single Action Army Bisley Model manufactured in 1903:
that's pretty hot. what kind of history does it have and how much would something like this cost??
also, i can't remember if you've posted the winchester.
As far as history, I'm working on figuring it out. The serial number dates it to 1903, but I can get a factory letter from Colt to start to really track down the history. They will tell me not only the info on the factory order, but to whom it was sent. It has the initials "JWH" inscribed under the grips so I'm hoping when Colt tells me where it was originally shipped that it was an individual with those initials. That would really help figure out the history. What I really hope is that it was shipped to Major John W. Hession. He was a famous target shooter back in the day when this gun was made and other guns with his initials from his collection have surfaced in the past. That would really make for some cool history. But regardless, it will be fun to search for it. 1st generation Colt Single Action Armies (from 1873-1940) can run anywhere from $2000-$20,000 in value. Mine had the case hardened frame nickeled in the 30s, so that sort of detracts from the value. It's probably only worth about $2500 or so, but I got it for a smoking deal and didn't pay anywhere near that price.
I'm not sure if I ever posted a pic of the Winchester or not. It is a model 1894 but is the special edition from 1966 commemorating 100 years of Winchesters. It has a gold plated receiver so it has that brass look I like on old lever actions.
