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Rare 44 Rimfire Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:27,500.00 - 40,000.00 USD
Rare 44 Rimfire Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver
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Estimate: $27500 - 40000
Manufacturer: Colt Model: Single Action
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 they were serial numbered in their own range of 1 to 1,863. The top of the barrel is marked with one line block letter address. "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A-" and the left side of the frame is marked with the three line, three patent date marking. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector housing, frame, trigger guard, cylinder, and backstrap. The bottom of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin is marked "44" and the left side trigger guard shoulder is marked "44 CAL.". The hammer well and rear face of the cylinder are marked with the letter "C". The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "42". The hammer is original to the revolver and has a bordered checkered spur that is equipped with a riveted rimfire firing pin. Nickel finish with casehardened hammer, blade front, (slightly altered), and frame notch rear sights, early "bull's-eye" ejector rod head and fitted with one-piece smooth varnished walnut grips. Colt sold most of the .44 RF production to obscure banana republics in South and Central America due to a limited acceptance on the American market where they saw hard and abusive use. This revolver somehow escaped the aforementioned fate!
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: nickel
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 1624
Condition:
Very fine. The revolver retains 75% plus original nickel finish, much of which has a frosted appearance. Most of the finish loss is concentrated on the cylinder, upper sides of the back strap, trigger guard shoulders, front strap and and trigger guard bow showing a smooth brown patina on the exposed metal. The grip is good with 50% original varnish remaining, a chip on the right toe, lower edge wear and a few minor dents. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. An extraordinary example of a rare black powder Colt Single Action Army revolver in 44 Rimfire caliber.