These double rifles were manufactured between 1879 and 1885 by special order only and are among the rarest of all Colt firearms. Most of the approximately 35-40 Colt Double Rifles were apparently specially manufactured for friends of Samuel Colt's son Caldwell Hart Colt. The round, side-by-side rifle barrels have a smooth center rib with a dovetailed nickel silver blade front sight, sliding notch rear sight, and "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U. S.A." in one line between the rear sight dove tail and the breech. "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO" is signed on each of the lock plates. The serial number "No. 23" is inscribed on the lower tang, and "23" is stamped on the left side of the watertable, right side on the bottom of the barrels, and on the inside of the forearm hardware. There are some light border and line engraving patterns. The checkered forearm has a horn insert. The checkered round knob pistol grip buttstock has a steel buttplate and a nickel silver escutcheon engraved with a monogram containing the "C" and "N" along with what appears to be an "I" or "J."

Very good with half of the period refinished blue remaining and some areas of smooth brown patina. The refinished wood is fine and has a sliver absent along the right edge of the forend, thin crack at the rear of the right lock, gaps at the lock mortises, some attractive grain patterns, crisp checkering, and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. We have not offered one of these for sale in quite some time. Very rare!