This is an example of a Colt Single Action Army revolver in rare caliber, .22 rimfire that was manufactured c. 1888. The revolver has full nickel-plated finish and two-piece black checkered hard rubber grips embossed with the Eagle and Shield motif and the Rampant Colt in an oval. Included is a factory letter dated September 20, 1963 confirming the .22 caliber, nickel finish, rubber grip shipped to Colt's Patent Firearms Co., address unlisted on July 18, 1888. The barrel has a flat-crowned muzzle. The revolver is fitted with the late oval ejector housing head and rimfire hammer with knurled bordered spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the block letter legend "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three date/three line patent markings. "22 CAL" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The loading gate is stamped the assembly number "201'. An "R" Colt inspection mark is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The full serial number "1873" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "873" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the rear face of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Fine as partially restored. The hammer has been converted back to rimfire configuration as the revolver once had been converted to centerfire, with the front sight exhibiting signs of being reattached. The revolver retains 60% of the original nickel-plated finish. There is flaking on the barrel at the muzzle, around the edges of the ejector housing and on the back strap and face of the cylinder. The balance of the revolver has moderate finish wear with scattered nicks and scratches. The barrel, frame and serial number markings are clear. The letter "S" and two other illegible letters are stamped on the bottom of the back strap. The black hard rubber grips remain in fine condition and have faded to a deep brown. This is a solid example of an extremely rare .22 Rimfire Colt Single Action revolver. This caliber of SAA is a revolver that is missing from all but the most advanced Colt Single Action Army collections. Even with the restored features disclosed above, writer feels this is to be a rare opportunity to own a Colt SAA .22 RF!