Click Here For Hi-Res Images:
photos.app.goo.gl/7XMEtHDumBazGP4Z9
In House Shipping:
$50.00 + 1.5% Shipping Insurance
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 143776, 327580
Year of Manufacture: 1891, 1913
Caliber: .41 Colt, .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading-Gate Revolvers
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sights are blades fixed to the barrels. The rear sights are "V"-notches integral to the topstraps.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth ivory, each with Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff badge medallions at their tops. The grips show some discoloration from age, each with schreger lines on the bottom. The left panel on 143776 has a small chip at the bottom edge near the front. The grips have some other scattered minor marks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition
Type of Finish: Chrome
Finish Originality: Refinished. Each pistol's numbers match.
Bore Condition:
143776- The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is even light-moderate erosion through the bore with a little minor pitting. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
327580- The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is some scattered light pitting and erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+/10.
Overall Condition: Each handgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong with some small spots worn through, more notable on the recoil shields. There is some scattered erosion under the finish, most notable in hard-to-polish areas such as the cylinder flutes and corners of the trigger guard. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The actions show operational wear including turn-lines on the cylinders. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn or completely removed. The backstrap inscriptions are crisp and appear to have been applied after refinishing. Overall, these pistols are in Good-Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: 327580's hammer will fall from half-cock when the trigger is pressed. The actions otherwise function correctly. We did not fire these handguns. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The revolvers come in a French-fit leather presentation case with a plate on the lid engraved "PRESENTED TO / E.W. BISCAILUZ, SHERIFF / SEPT. 5, 1935". The case shows wear and tears on the exterior with more minor wear on the interior. Included is a printout of LASD Retired's article about Sheriff Biscailuz.
Our Assessment: Colt's Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television. Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today!
This is a particularly interesting pair. The guns have been refinished in chrome and fit with ivory grips so that, despite being made a couple decades apart and chambered for two different cartridges, they make a handsome matched pair. The backstrap of each has been engraved "E.W. BISCAILUZ, SHERIFF." and they come in a vintage presentation case with an engraved plate indicating they were presented to the Sheriff in 1935. This would be three years into Biscailuz's record 26 years of being Sheriff. He was not only the longest serving Sheriff in the county, he still has the record for longest consecutive service with the LASD at 51 years. Prior to his service with the Sheriffs, he was tasked with reorganizing the State Motor Patrol into the California Highway Patrol.
This pair may have been carried by Biscailuz for parades or rodeos, or perhaps just sat on his mantle or in a case with other artifacts collected over his long career. They will make a wonderful addition to any collection, especially one focused on law enforcement or Los Angeles. Please see our photos and good luck!