Only 107 .22 caliber First Generation Single Action Army revolvers were manufactured. The first left the factory in 1883, and .22 was officially added to the line in 1889 but was not popular. This example is one of 90 that were originally manufactured as .44 rimfire revolvers in the 1639-1892 range but were converted to .22 caliber before leaving the factory in 1888 due to the fact that the .44 rimfire cartridge was obsolete. Rimfire cartridges are inherently less reliable and are not readily reloadable. The .44 rimfire cartridge also employed just 26 to 28 grains of gunpowder compared to the stronger and more reliable .44-40's 40 grain charge. Many of these revolvers were subsequently altered or destroyed. This example is listed in the "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia Volume 2" as having been shipped to Kittredge on July 21, 1888, along with two other .22 rimfire revolvers. Benjamin Kittredge was one of Colts biggest distributors and the originator of many nicknames for Colt firearms including "the Peacemaker" for the Single Action Army. At first glance the revolver looks to be a standard .45 caliber revolver until the bore and hammer are looked at more closely. It is marked with the standard one-line address on the top of the barrel in block letters, the three-line patent marking proceeded by an "S" in a diamond on the left side of the frame, "22 CAL" on the left front trigger guard shoulder over the original "44 CAL" marking, the assembly number "254" on the loading gate, "C" in the hammer slot, and the matching serial number on the cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. It has the improved oval ejector rod head that is occasionally seen on these scarce revolvers. The checkered grips have the Rampant Colt emblem up top and the American eagle on the bottom; these grips were standard for the .22 conversions. The underside of the panels appear to be marked with "816" or "818."

Fine as partially restored (dovetail filled in top of frame forward of sight groove). The barrel has 30% of the original blue finish with the balance a gray patina. There are traces of blue visible in the protected areas and side of the trigger guard bow. There are 20% of the original case colors visible in the recesses. The balance has a gray patina with some slight brown patina forming and spots of fain pitting and oxidation. The replacement grips are good with moderate handling wear including partial smoothing of the checkering. The rubber has faded to a mix of brown tones from light exposure. The markings are crisp throughout, and the action functions fine.