The included factory letter lists this revolver in .44 Rimfire with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and wood grips when part of a 50 gun shipment to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham in New York City on November 30, 1877. This revolver is one of only 1,863 Colt chambered in .44 Rimfire, and surviving examples are very scarce. This revolver is especially interesting as it was subsequently period shortened to a 5 1/2 inch barrel, engraved, fitted with a deluxe grip, and converted to centerfire. The engraving may have been engraved by legendary New York based master engraver L.D. Nimschke and is primarily classic American scrollwork with beaded backgrounds and also includes checkerboard and dot patterns, "Nimschke stars", and line and dot accents. The barrel has a blade front sight and the one-line "-COLTS PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.-" address. The frame has the two-line 1871 and 1872 patent marking on the left, and the left side of the trigger guard at the rear has "44 CAL" in an oval panel. The loading gate has assembly number "450", and the matching serial number "853" is visible on the frame, trigger guard, and butt.

Very good as period retailer engraved with 50% nickel plating remaining, smooth dark gray and brown patina on the balance, distinct engraving and markings, a replacement custom engraved cylinder converted to centerfire, and general moderate overall wear suggesting real period use. The grip is also very good and has attractive aged patina, numerous small age lines, and minor wear. Mechanically fine.