This is a one-of-a-kind, 1880s production Colt Single Action Army revolver in the .44 Rimfire/.22 Rimfire serial number range chambered for the .32 Colt cartridge. The revolver has a unique combination of markings and features that indicate that it was used by Colt as a prototype or test revolver. Although the revolver’s serial number is within the rimfire production range, the frame is factory drilled for a centerfire firing pin and has never been altered. The revolver has the early two-date, two-line patent marking on the left side of the frame. The barrel has the elongated block Hartford address and second style ejector housing assembly found on Single Action Army revolvers in the 80,000 serial number range. There are no caliber markings on the bottom or left side of the barrel. The grips are the two-piece, black checkered, hard rubber, eagle pattern introduced in 1882. The trigger guard is faintly stamped "22 CAL" on the left rear above the bow (.22 caliber Single Action Army revolvers typically had the caliber markings on the left front trigger guard bow). This revolver appears to have been used by the Colt factory as a prototype or test revolver for smaller caliber cartridges; in this case, 32 Long Colt. In "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" by R.L. Wilson notes: "22s in the 44 rimfire serial range were factory altered in 1888, and are known in the serial ranges #1639 to #1892". Colt began to manufacture Single Action Army revolvers chambered for the .32 Colt cartridge in 1887; only 192 Single Action Army revolvers were manufactured in this caliber. The barrel, ejector housing and grips indicate that this revolver was probably finished in the mid-1880s. The revolver serial number is stamped on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. An "R" inspection mark is stamped on the back of the cylinder and a "C" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The barrel and cylinder are not serial numbered. The revolver has the Colt high polish, civilian, blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a casehardened finish. The accompanying Colt serial number varication states that the factory archives was unable to locate any record for this SAA. The included Hansen & Hansen authentication letter makes similar observations as previously mentioned. The classic Colt Single Action Army revolver was introduced in 1873 and has been manufactured without interruption to the present day. Military leaders, political personages, famous individuals from actors to authors have owned or been presented with this famous arm. Colt manufactured many variations of the original .45 caliber revolver and continually modified the original military design to meet the demands of the commercial marketplace. Colt manufactured the Single Action Army in thirty different calibers. Colt Single Action Army serial number 1597 would qualify on numerous levels as a featured item in any published work on Colt revolvers. It is a rare, excellent condition, example of a Colt Single Action Army used to advance the technological development of the most famous firearm in American history.

Exceptionally fine. The revolver retains 80% of the bright original Colt, high polish, commercial blue finish. Most of the finish wear is concentrated on the cylinder and the edge of the ejector housing. The finish on the back strap is slightly thin. The frame, loading gate and hammer retain 75% plus of the original casehardened finish with vivid casecolors. The rubber grips have sun faded and are in excellent condition with minimal handling wear. The roll-stamped markings on the barrel and frame are sharp. The action functions perfectly. This is a one-of-a-kind example of a Colt prototype SAA revolver for the rare .32 Colt cartridge.