This is a scarce and highly desirable example of a Colt Paterson Second Model Ring Lever Rifle. Colt manufactured approximately 500 of these rifles between 1838 and 1841. The rifle features an eight-shot, cylinder and distinctive ring ahead of the trigger guard to cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder. The rifle has the "Improvements" that include a loading lever mounted on the right side of the barrel lug, a small groove below the loading lever to accommodate a powder flask, a capping channel in the right recoil shield and round shoulder cylinder. The octagon barrel is fitted with a nickel-silver front sight blade located in a dovetail at the muzzle and a sporting type rear sight. Sling swivels are fitted to the underside of the stock and barrel. The barrel, cylinder and trigger guard are blued and the loading lever, frame, cocking ring, tang and buttplate have a casehardened finish. The stock is walnut with an oil finish. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "Patent Arm M'g., Paterson, N.J.-Colt's Pt.' with distinctive star and snake terminals on either side of the address. The number, "274" is visible on the left side and rear face of the barrel lug, on the underside of the wedge, on the rear face and side of the cylinder, on the revolving collar on the cylinder keeper ring, on the keeper ring and on the left side of the stock near the buttplate. All of the visible serial numbers match. One hundred Second Model Ring Lever Rifles with round shoulder cylinders and loading levers were purchased by the Republic of Texas in 1839.

Good as period refinished overall. The barrel, cylinder and trigger guard have a dull blue finish and the loading lever, cocking ring receiver and butt plate have mellow, dove-gray, case colors. There are scattered traces of pitting on the upper barrel flats and cylinder. The barrel markings are legible (but weak on the bottom) and the serial numbers are sharp. None of the once present roll-engraved centaur, deer and hunter scene is visible on the cylinder. The oil-finished walnut stock is in good condition with minor handling marks and small chip at left side upper tang. The action is tight and fully functional. This is a solid and extremely attractive example of a scarce Colt Paterson Improved Second Model Ring Lever Rifle.