This is a Colt Model 1877 that was originally built in 1886 in .38 Colt caliber. Fast forward about 70 years and in 1953, a California gunsmith named George Matthews worked his magic on it, converting it to .22 rimfire. He also reworked the action, re-case hardened the frame, blued the barrel, cylinder and gripframe. Speaking of which, he remade the grip frame in the single action army style and then equipped it with a nice set of ivory stocks. I have a letter from his widow stating that this gun was his and that he did the work. I also have a copy of the 1969 Guns and Ammo Annual with this particular revolver shown in an article about custom guns. Needless to say, this one is one of the highlights of my collection!
