Designed by Colonel Hiram Berdan of Berdan's Sharpshooters, the Colt Berdan Rifle was an early trapdoor-style single shot equipped with an in-line hammer, which also served to lock the breechblock during ignition. Approximately 30,000 were manufactured from 1866 to 1870 to fill an Imperial Russian contract. Fewer than 100 Berdan rifles were made for American tests and sales making Colt's first cartridge rifle a very scarce and desirable collectors item. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with a square bayonet lug on the right side of the muzzle and a one line Cyrillic address behind the rear sight. Multiple components bear the number "1", including the rear sight base, barrel, hammer, stock, front barrel band, trigger guard, buttplate and trapdoor style breechblock. Smooth straight grip stock, with a pierced round-head cleaning rod, dual barrel bands, and a flat buttplate.

Very good, showing a pleasing mixed brown patina overall with elements of the original blue finish concentrated in the protected areas, scattered spotting and mild handling marks. There is some pitting is present on and around the breechblock. The stock is also very good with a clear "1" stamp and the expected chipping, varnish loss, and scratches associated with arsenal stored antique military firearms. Mechanically excellent. Given the very limited number of major Colt firearms models, the serial number 1 Colt Berdan rifle represents a unique opportunity for the collector of Colt serial number 1 firearms and collectors of serial number 1 in general.