2020 September Premier, Volume I

Colt Single Action Army Revolver - The Most Iconic 19th Century American Firearm - A True Survivor From the Old West
The John Fox Collection
112
SERIAL NUMBER
222
LOT 96
Very Scarce Black Powder Colt Single Action
Army Rimfire Revolver Centerfire Conversion
Serial Number 222 with Mexican Eagle Grip -
Serial no. 222, 44 CF cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel
finish, antique ivory grips. This is an example of a
SAA that was originally chambered for the .44 rimfire cartridge
and subsequently converted to .44 centerfire. Only 1,863 SAAs were
chambered in 44 rimfire, which were serial numbered in their own range
from 1 to approximately 1890, and were manufactured for approximately
five years starting in 1875. 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. The period shortened barrel
has the one-line Hartford address on top, and the factory blade sight has been
period modified to “half moon rifle style with an 1876 dated Liberty dime sight blade during its time of use. The left
side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “44 CAL.” The left
side of the grip features a relief carved Mexican eagle.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining 40% period retailer applied nickel plating with the balance a mottled brown-gray
patina. The grip is about good with a chips near the bottom, typical hairline age cracking and some wear to the
carving. Mechanically fine. A very scarce and colorful period modified Colt rimfire SAA that certainly saw frontier use/
action on the open ranges! If only it could talk!
Estimate: 12000 - 18000