Colt model 1855 "First Model'

Manufactured c. 1856, this is a rare and desirable example of an early production, two digit serial number First Model Colt 1855 Sporting Rifle. According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson, Colt manufactured an estimated total of 1,000 First Model Sporting Rifles in .36 caliber of which only 300 had 27 inch barrels. These rifles were the first Hartford manufactured Colt longarms. This early production rifle is hand engraved with the legend: "Address S. Colt Hartford Ct. U.S.A." in Old English script on the top barrel flat. This Old English legend is found only on low serial number rifles. The cylinder is roll-engraved with a deer and hunter scene and "COLTS PATENT/SPORTING RIFLE". The serial number, "60", is visible on the underside of the barrel, loading lever, bottom of the receiver, cylinder, trigger guard tang, and buttplate heel. J.R. Hegeman Jr.'s initials "J.R.H. Jr." are in an oval cartouche are stamped on the bottom of the stock behind the lower tang. Regarded as the first Colt Collector, John R. Hegeman Jr. was the assistant secretary of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Reportedly he rescued Colt from financial difficulties and Colt rewarded him with any Colt he desired, with this rifle a prime example. The rifle has a .36 caliber 27 inch part round/part octagon barrel with dovetail mounted steel front sight. A cleaning rod with knurled handle is attached to the left side of the barrel and receiver by an eyelet on the muzzle and a threaded eyelet on the receiver. An oiler, unique to the First Model Sporting Rifle, is attached to the left side of the receiver. The rifle has a six-shot, unfluted cylinder. The receiver top-strap has a recessed elevating rear sight. The First Model trigger guard has finger spurs in front and in back of the trigger guard bow. The crescent steel buttplate has a beveled heel. The barrel, receiver, cylinder, trigger guard, cleaning rod, oiler and buttplate have a high polish blue finish. The loading lever and hammer are color casehardened. The nicely figured American walnut stock has a high polish piano finish.

Condition

Excellent. The rifle exhibits only minimal storage and handling wear. 85% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish remains. The blue on the rear half of the barrel, trigger guard, lower tang and buttplate has scattered overall flaking; the exposed surfaces have a smooth, blue-gray patina that resembles a casehardened finish. The balance of the rifle retains a brilliant, high polish, blue finish. Nearly all of the blue finish on the cylinder is present, and the roll-engraved scene is sharp and is one of the finest known to exist. The original hand engraved Old English style Colt barrel markings and the serial numbers are crisp. The hammer and loading lever have fiery case colors. The sides of the receiver have a few scattered and very minor handling marks. The highly figured stock is also excellent and retains 98% of the original piano finish; wear is limited to several very minor handling or storage marks. Mechanically functions. This may be the finest early production Colt Model 1855 "First Model" Sporting Rifle extant. This is an exceptional example of a rare and extremely early production Colt Model 1855 "First Model" Sporting Rifle.