This is an example of one of approximately 1,000 First Model Sporting rifles manufactured from 1856 to 1859. Its estimated that only 125 were made in the 40 caliber configuration, with 36 caliber the standard. Of the 125 manufactured in 40 caliber only 50 are believed to have been manufactured with a 27 inch barrel, with this particular example being serial number 3! The top barrel flat at the breech is marked "{COLT'S PT./1856} followed by "{ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.}". The matching serial number is marked on the lower tang, loading lever and cylinder. Blade front and period replaced fixed rear sights. The rifle features the patent oiler mounted on the left side of the frame ahead of the cylinder, which is manually operated and used to apply a drop of oil to the loaded cylinder and the cleaning rod attached tangent to the left side of the barrel with an eyelet at the muzzle and threaded eyelet above the recoil shield. The trigger guard has a front and rear spur and a very long tang secured by two screws. These three features were only found on the First Model 1855 rifles. The rifle was finished blue with a casehardened hammer and loading lever and is mounted with a varnished smooth straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. This was Colt's first production of a side mounted hammer revolving longarm and the quantity was limited. Despite heavy advertising and even a few presentation rifles, the First Model 1855 rifle was not very successful due to rumors, (and some fact), of breech flash and multiple discharge.

Fine. The barrel retains 30% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina. The frame retains 25% original blue finish, mainly in the protected areas with a mottled brown patina on the balance. There is some moderate flash pitting on the frame around the cylinder. The cylinder has a mottled gray patina. The scene is faint, however the serial number is clear. The trigger guard has a smooth brownish gray patina. The stock is fine with most of the original varnish remaining, showing a dark area on the toe, some wear and chipping of the varnish and a few minor dings, dents and scratches. The barrel marking is crisp and clear. The action is fine.