This is a fine example of a seldom encountered Colt Single Action Army revolver chambered for the scarce .44 rimfire cartridge. Colt manufactured approximately 1,800 .44 rimfire Single Action revolvers between 1875 and 1880. These revolvers had their own serial number range and had a distinctive hammer with rimfire firing pin secured by two pins and a rectangular hammer slot in the frame. The ejector rod has the correct "bullseye" head and the hammer has bordered knurling on the spur. This left shoulder of the trigger guard is stamped "44 CAL", and "44" is stamped on the underside of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the first style block address utilized on .44 rimfire revolvers above serial number 400. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt 1871/1872 patent dates in two lines. A Colt "C" sub-inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well, on the rear face of the cylinder and on the barrel behind the ejector housing stud. The full serial number "1144" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger, and back strap, side of the cylinder and bottom of the barrel beneath the ejector housing. The frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder serial numbers are identical. The barrel serial numbers are smaller and use a different font. All of the serial numbers match. The assembly number "46" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The revolver has a nickel-plated finish with casehardened hammer and blued trigger. The one-piece walnut grips are varnished. The included factory letter (photocopy) lists this revolver by serial number as a "no record gun."

Fine. The revolver retains at least 85% of the period retailer applied nickel-plated finish; some polishing marks are visible on the left side of the frame. The right side of the frame and adjacent areas of the loading gate have some light pitting. The nickel-plating on the ejector housing has some scattered flaking, and there is scattered age spotting on the top and sides of the barrel. The cylinder has light pitting on the face and traces of pitting in one flute. All of the markings and serial numbers are crisp. The hammer retains about 85% of the color casehardened finish with traces of light pitting on the sides. Most of the fire blue finish is present on the trigger and ejector housing and cylinder pin screws. The walnut grips retain about 60% of the varnish finish with handling wear on the lower edges and butt. Most of the limited numbers of .44 rimfire Single Actions manufactured by Colt were exported to Mexico and Central or South America where they saw hard use. As a result .44 Rimfire Single Actions are rare in any condition. This is a fine example of a scarce and desirable variation of the Colt Single Action Army revolver.