This is an example of a highly sought after Colt Single Action Army Revolver that is chambered for the .44 rimfire cartridge. Only 1,863 SAAs were chambered in this caliber. The .44 rimfire series was introduced in 1875, they were serial numbered in their own range from 1 to 1863, and were manufactured for approximately five years. From about 1888 to 1890 Colt converted 107 of the .44 rimfire revolvers to .22 rimfire. Colt sold most of the .44 RF production to South and Central America due to a limited acceptance on the American market where they saw hard and abusive use. Moreover, the 7 1/2 inch barrel was not well received, and most specimens that have found their way back to the United States generally have a shortened barrel. Finding a SAA in original 7 1/2 inch barrel, .44 RF configuration in any condition, let alone in exceptionally fine condition as this example, is rarely encountered. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a blue finish (currently nickel), 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44 rimfire, and wood stocks when shipped to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York City on November 3, 1877. The revolver has the distinctive hammer with rimfire firing pin secured by two pins and a rectangular hammer slot in the frame. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top, the frame has the two-line patent dates marking on the left side, and the trigger guard has "44 CAL" stamped on the left side. The ejector rod has a bullseye head. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel, ejector rod housing, frame and cylinder retain 75% plus of the retailer (Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, a Colt sanctioned distributor) nickel finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. The grips straps have a smooth gray patina with traces of nickel in the protected areas. The slightly undersized grips are very fine with limited hairline age cracking, minimal handling marks and attractive grain and color. Mechanically fine. One will look a long time to find as fine of a .44 Rimfire Colt SAA!