Manufactured from 1856 to 1859. The First Model Colt Model 1855 Sporting Rifle is easily identified by the lack of a forearm and the presence of the patent oiler device. This was Colt's initial production of the side hammer revolving longarm, with total production estimated at 1,000. The barrel top flat is marked "COLT'S PT./1856" followed by "ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". The front sight has been removed with a peep sight added to the top strap. Matching serial number on the frame, barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, tang, and buttplate. The cleaning rod is attached to the left side of the barrel, with an eyelet at the muzzle and a threaded eye at the breech. The loading lever has the correct ball latch and the oiler is attached to the left side of the frame. Mounted on a smooth oiled straight grip stock with crescent buttplate.

Good. The rifle retains traces of original blue finish in and around the protected areas with the balance a smooth dark patina with overall mild pitting/spotting. Traces of the cylinder scene remain. The stock is fine with much of the finish remaining, a crack near the buttplate tang, and some minor handling marks. Mechanically fine. A solid representative example of a highly desirable Colt Model 1855 First model sporting rifle.