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Rare Colt Model 1855 "First Model" Sporting Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Rare Colt Model 1855  First Model  Sporting Rifle
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Rare Colt Model 1855 "First Model" Sporting Rifle

Manufactured circa 1856. The rifle has a .36 caliber part octagon barrel with non-fluted six-shot cylinder. Distinctive features that distinguish this rifle from later 1855 revolving rifles include the lack of a forearm, oiler attached to the left side of the barrel double spur trigger guard and ramrod/cleaning rod attached to the left side of the barrel and frame. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the Second Style address "{COLT'S PT./1856}{ ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.}" in two, two-line blocks. The matching serial number, "333" is stamped on the lower tang, bottom of the receiver lug, loading lever, underside of the barrel and on the bottom of the crescent buttplate. The rifle has a blue and casehardened finish with varnished walnut stock. A non-factory globe front sight is mounted in a dovetail on the barrel and a fixed rear sight is mounted in the receiver sighting groove. Colt "First Model" Sporting Rifles are rare. Total production is estimated to be only 1,000 rifles manufactured between 1856 and 1859.

Manufucture: Colt
Model: 1855-Rifle
BBL: 24 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Guage: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 333

Fair. The rifle has a silver gray patina with traces of the original blue finish visible in protected areas. In addition to the modified front and rear sights, the oiler and straps on the side of the receiver are replacements. The lower receiver tang has been broken and re-welded. The replaced cylinder has been heavily cleaned and the nipples have been replaced. No trace remains of the deer and hunter cylinder scene. The barrel legend and serial numbers are clear. The refinished stock is good with traces of original finish and scattered handling marks. Despite the wear and modifications this remains a solid and very desirable example of a low-production rarely encountered Colt Model 1855 "First Model" Sporting Rifle.