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Scarce 44 Rimfire Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
Scarce 44 Rimfire Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter
This is a scarce Colt Single Action Army revolver 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 1863. The top of the barrel is marked with the correct 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 two line, two patent date marking. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector housing, on the 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 is marked with the letter "C". The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "279". The hammer has a bordered checkered spur and is equipped with a riveted rimfire firing pin. The revolver had a casehardened frame and blue remaining parts with a blade front and "V" notch rear sights, early "bull's- eye" ejector rod head and fitted with one piece smooth varnished walnut grips. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, .44 Rimfire caliber, 7 1/2" barrel, blue finish, wood grip and that it was shipped as 1 of 2 to J.P. Moores Sons, New York, N.Y. on April 27, 1878. These rimfire revolvers saw a lot of hard use and few originals survive today.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 789


Overall the revolver is very good with strong traces (approximately 10%) of the original blue finish in protected areas with the balance having a brown to dark brown patina with some scattered minor spotting and a small amount of minor pitting on the trigger guard. There are faded signs of the original case colors on the frame and strong vivid colors on the protected area of the hammer on the left side. The trigger is a later production replacement. The grips are fine with exception of a piece missing on the right side at the frame juncture and at the heel, a smaller chip on the left heel and number of moderate dents and gouges on the bottoms from using the butt as a hammer, otherwise only a few minor dents and dings. There are a few minor gouges in the metal on the butt as well. The markings are clear. There is some slight play in the cylinder, otherwise the mechanics are very good. A solid, honest example of an original, factory documented rare 44 Rimfire Colt Single Action Army revolver that earned it's keep. This highly desirable 44 rimfire Colt Single Action Army was found in a wall in the Chicago area.