Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this extremely rare single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the 1875 Colt Single Action Army .44 Rim Fire!
According to the signed and authenticated letter by renowned authority of 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers, Charles B. Layson : “I have thoroughly examined your Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial #56, and can now relate my findings and opinion of its authenticity. This gun is one of approximately 1800 that was manufactured by Colt in .44 rim fire caliber beginning in 1875. Since the company was well into their production of .45 caliber center fire revolvers at that time for the American and British markets, they decided to give the .44 rim fire its own serial number range as it required a distinct frame configuration.”
"Their rationale in deciding to manufacture this caliber was based on the popularity of the model 1866 Winchester and Henry rifles, both of which were chambered for the .44 rim fire cartridge, and because U.S. Government surplus .44 rim fire ammunition remained from the Civil War and was now available and very inexpensive. The largest market for the .44 rim fire revolvers was in the western U.S. and particularly in the southwest. Since all of these revolvers were manufactured with 7 ½" barrels (the standard at the time), many had their barrels shortened to accommodate their carry without a holster. Noted author John Kopec, Ron Graham and Ken Moore estimated, based on observation of existing examples, that 80% to 90% were reconfigured in this way. "
"This gun, therefore, is one of the few remaining with its original 7 ½" barrel, and combined with the low survival rate of this model in general, it is indeed a rare gun. With few minor exceptions, this Colt, serial #56, is completely original and virtually untouched since its manufacture in the 1875-1876 period. The barrel retains its italicized barrel address, its small".44" caliber designation on the trigger guard and barrel, and its unique wide land and groove rifling. All other major parts are correctly numbered "56", including the one-piece wooden grips with a clearly discernable "5" and a probable but faded "6". The grips still retain about 5% of the original varnish finish."
“In my opinion, only the ejector housing and the cylinder pin are period replacement parts, and they have minimal effect on the desirability or market value of the gun.”
“In addition to the unusually high number of this model that barrels have been shortened, one must also consider that many of these revolvers that still exist have been converted to fire the .22 rim fire or a 44 center fire cartridge, which significantly reduces their value, and this one has not.”
“While this gun shows considerable exterior wear to its original finish, it is still in good working condition and shows no attempts to improve its appearance by polishing or refinishing. In short, this gun, serial #56, is in extraordinary condition 150 years after its date of manufacture and would certainly enhance any advanced Colt collection.”
This Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial #56, is an extraordinarily rare and historically significant firearm. As one of approximately 1,800 revolvers manufactured in .44 rimfire during 1875-1876, it represents a distinct and limited production run with its own serial number range. Colt’s decision to produce this caliber revolver was based on the widespread use of .44 rimfire cartridges in popular Model 1866 Winchester and Henry rifles, as well as the availability of surplus Civil War ammunition. The vast majority of these revolvers were sold in the western and southwestern United States, where the practical demands of frontier life often led to modifications such as barrel shortening. Remarkably, this example retains its original 7 ½-inch barrel, a feature preserved in fewer than 10%-20% of known surviving examples.
The revolver’s rarity is further underscored by its exceptional condition and originality. With all major components—including the frame, barrel, and one-piece wooden grips—correctly numbered "56," this revolver is a rare survivor in a model that faced heavy use, alterations, and conversions. Unlike many others that were adapted to fire .22 rimfire or .44 centerfire cartridges, this revolver remains in its original .44 rimfire configuration, a factor that dramatically enhances its desirability. Combined with its low survival rate, untouched barrel length, and unaltered finish, this revolver stands as a truly extraordinary piece. Its historical and collectible value is unparalleled, making it a crown jewel for any advanced Colt collection.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army .44 Rim Fire
Serial: 56
Date of Manufacture: 1875-1876
Caliber: .44 Rim Fire “RARE”
Finish: Blue/Patina “Original/Unaltered”
Barrel Length: 7.5" “Original Length, RARE”
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front with Frame Notched Rear “Original/Unaltered”
Stock/Grips: Original Wood Grips “Original Serial number stamped”
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
This Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial #56, stands out as an exceptionally rare and historically significant firearm. Produced in 1875-1876, it is one of only approximately 1,800 revolvers chambered in .44 rimfire, a unique production run marked by its own serial number range due to the distinct frame configuration required for this caliber. Colt manufactured these revolvers to cater to the popularity of .44 rimfire cartridges used in the Model 1866 Winchester and Henry rifles, as well as to capitalize on surplus ammunition from the Civil War. Predominantly sold in the western and southwestern United States, these revolvers were often subjected to heavy use and modifications, particularly barrel shortening, to suit the practical needs of frontier life.
Model: Single Action Army .44 Rim Fire
Serial: 56
Date of Manufacture: 1875-1876
Caliber: .44 Rim Fire “RARE”
Finish: Blue/Patina “Original/Unaltered”
Barrel Length: 7.5" “Original Length, RARE”
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front with Frame Notched Rear “Original/Unaltered”
Stock/Grips: Original Wood Grips “Original Serial number stamped”
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
This Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial #56, stands out as an exceptionally rare and historically significant firearm. Produced in 1875-1876, it is one of only approximately 1,800 revolvers chambered in .44 rimfire, a unique production run marked by its own serial number range due to the distinct frame configuration required for this caliber. Colt manufactured these revolvers to cater to the popularity of .44 rimfire cartridges used in the Model 1866 Winchester and Henry rifles, as well as to capitalize on surplus ammunition from the Civil War. Predominantly sold in the western and southwestern United States, these revolvers were often subjected to heavy use and modifications, particularly barrel shortening, to suit the practical needs of frontier life.
What makes this example truly extraordinary is its remarkable originality and preservation. Unlike the vast majority of these revolvers, this one retains its original 7 ½-inch barrel, a feature found in fewer than 10%-20% of surviving examples. Additionally, the revolver has not been converted to alternative calibers such as .22 rimfire or .44 centerfire, a common practice that significantly diminished the value of many other specimens. With all major components, including the frame, barrel, and one-piece wooden grips, correctly numbered "56," this revolver is a rare survivor. Only the ejector housing and cylinder pin are period replacements, which have minimal impact on its overall historical and collectible value!
Despite showing exterior wear consistent with its age, the revolver remains in good working condition and retains critical original details, including its italicized barrel address, .44 caliber markings, and distinctive wide land-and-groove rifling. The lack of refinishing or polishing further enhances its authenticity. With its low survival rate, untouched barrel length, and unaltered caliber, this revolver is not only a tangible piece of Old West history but also a highly coveted treasure for any advanced Colt collector. Its rarity and exceptional provenance make it a standout artifact of 19th-century firearms manufacturing!
Contents:
Contents:
As you can see from the many high-resolution photos and the condition rating given to it by Charles B. Layson, this example is in extraordinary condition. Also, this example will ship with the three-page letter from Mr. Charles B. Layson.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
