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Rare 44 Rimfire Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 37,500.00 USD
Rare 44 Rimfire Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

Estimate: $25000 - 37500
This is a much sought after example of a scarce Colt Single Action Army revolver that was chambered for the .44 rimfire cartridge. Only 1,863 Single Action Army revolvers were chambered in this caliber. The 44 rimfire series was introduced in 1875 and they were serial numbered in their own range of 1 to 1,863. The top of the barrel is marked with the early script style address. "--COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.--" and the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, two patent date marking. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector housing, on the frame, trigger guard, cylinder and back strap. The bottom of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin is marked "44" and the left side trigger guard shoulder is marked "44 CAL.". The hammer well and rear face of the cylinder are marked with the letter "C". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector housing, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "475". The hammer is original to the revolver and has a bordered checkered spur and is equipped with a riveted rimfire firing pin. Blue finish with casehardened hammer and frame, blade front and "V" notch rear sights, early "bull's-eye" ejector rod head and fitted with one-piece smooth varnished walnut grips. The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber with all other features "Not Listed" and that it was shipped as 1 of 25 to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, New York, N.Y. on February 12, 1877. Colt sold most of the .44 RF production to obscure banana republics in South and Central America where they saw hard and abusive use. This revolver somehow escaped the aforementioned fate!
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 411
Condition: Very good. The barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have an attractive smooth blue-gray patina overall. There are strong traces of the original blue finish on protected areas of the barrel, cylinder and trigger guard. There is a small area of minor pitting on the left side of the barrel. The frame and hammer have a silver gray patina with traces of the original case colors and some minor pitting ahead of the cylinder. The grips are very fine and retain 90% of the original varnish with some minor wear on the lower edges, a few minor chips in the varnish and some minor handling marks. The markings remain crisp and clear. The action is excellent. This is a very nice example of a rare Colt .44 Rimfire Single Action Army Revolver.
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