This is an example of a very desirable Colt Model 1855 Military Rifle manufactured from 1856 to 1864 with a total production of approximately 9,310. Only 500 were made in this configuration of 56 caliber with a 31 5/16 inch barrel. This particular rifle has a Root-type side hammer, brass trigger guard, five-shot fluted cylinder, ratchet-type loading lever and three-leaf rear sight with graduations for 100, 300 and 500 yards. The iron buttplate has a sliding trap which contains the cleaning rod extension. The two-piece stock and full forearm are varnished black walnut with a brass forend tip and a sling swivel on the rear barrel band and on the lower stock tang. The barrel is of extra length, measuring 31 5/16 inches. The top of the frame in the sighting groove is marked "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." and the left side of the frame is marked "COLT'S PATENT" in a curve over "NOV. 24th, 1857". There is a small "K" stamped on the left rear of the trigger guard bow. Cylinder has the 1850 patent date on one of the flutes. The matching serial number is visible on the underside of the frame, lower tang and on the buttplate toe. Front sight doubles as a bayonet lug. With an iron cleaning rod, "U.S" marked socket bayonet, scabbard and frog.