Manufactured in the 1850s, this is an example of a First Model. Approximately 300 First Model rifles were produced, serial numbered 1 through approximately 300. Marked "ADDRESS P.W. PORTER / NEW-YORK" and "P.W. PORTER'S / PATENT 1851" in two line, two blocks on the upper right barrel near the receiver. The rifle has offset front and rear sights to allow for the turret being in the normal line of sight and a rounded shaped primer cover that swivels downward for loading (note that First Models typically had square shaped primer covers with a rounded front edge). Matching serial number on the inside of the frame and on the barrel, with the cylinder numbered to a different gun (166). Smooth straight grip stock with a crescent iron buttplate. The old story about Porter being killed while showing his invention to Samuel Colt has proven to be just that, a story. While the rifle, like almost any multiple shot percussion gun, was subject to multiple charges going off at the same time, the angle is such that the person firing the gun should get no worse than powder burns.

Very good. The rifle has a smooth dark patina with some minor spotting and minor flash pitting. Missing the Serpentine shaped loading lever mount on top of the barrel at breech and the "U" shaped iron turret cover. The stock is fine with some minor dings and scratches and 90% of the varnish remaining. The action functions fine, but the latching section of the lever is missing and the primer cover does not latch.