Manufactured in 1875, the first year of production, this is a much sought after example of a rare 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 were serial numbered in their own range of 1 to 1,863. This revolver was period "New York" engraved with floral scroll designs on the barrel, cylinder flats and frame. There is also a geometric design on the trigger guard and back strap, and a vine design on the top strap and shell design on the top of the back strap. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." with the two-line, September 1871 and July 1872 patent date markings on the left side of the frame. The left trigger guard shoulder is marked "44CAL.". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The assembly number on the loading gate is unreadable. The ejector rod head is the correct early "bulls eye" or donut style with the hole in the center, blade front and frame notch rear sights, and fitted with a one-piece checkered ivory grip.

Good as period embellished, refinished and rebarreled. The revolver has a brown patina with some pitting on the cylinder. The firing pin slot has been restored at some point. The grip has shrunk some with age, the checkering shows heavy wear, smooth in some areas, and there are some minor age cracks on the bottom and overall has a pleasant caramel patina. The engraving is worn in areas, otherwise the markings and engraving are clear. The action is fine. A solid representative example of a very desirable .44 Rimfire Colt Single Action Army revolver with New York engraving.