^Lot 5146 ATTRACTIVE COLT 1ST MODEL 1855 SPORTING RIFLE.

Cal. 36. S# 678. Scarce Colt Model 1855 First Model Sporting Percussion Revolving Rifle made late 1850s, about 1000 made in different barrel lengths. A few of these guns made their way to the Civil War by early volunteers. Battlefield recovered ammunition supports their use. This rifle is in standard configuration with 27" octagonal to round barrel stamped on top flat: "COLT'S PT. / 1850" & "ADDRESS COL. COLT / HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.", German silver inset blade front sight, patent adjustable rear sight, crescent shaped steel buttplate. These earliest Colt revolving rifles were the first longarms made by Colt in Hartford and did not last in production long giving way to half-stock and full stock models with sturdier components that the public better accepted. CONDITION: good to very good overall as metal refinished, appears matching & original, smooth mottled gray patina with scattered areas of pitting, burl stock retains much of its original factory varnish. Complete and original other than missing the cleaning rod assembly originally mounted on left side of receiver where empty attachment holes are observed. Mechanics fine, good sharp rifled bore. (01-28812/JS). ANTIQUE. $7,000-9,000.