Rare example of an early production, two digit serial number First Model Colt 1855 Sporting Rifle. Colt manufactured an estimated total of 1000 First Model Sporting Rifles between 1856 and 1859. These rifles were the first Hartford manufactured Colt longarms. This early production rifle is hand engraved with the legend: "Address S. Colt Hartford Ct. U.S.A." in Old English script on the top barrel flat. This Old English legend is found only on low serial number rifles. The cylinder is roll-engraved with a deer and hunter scene and "COLTS PATENT/SPORTING RIFLE". The serial number "60" is visible on the underside of the barrel, loading lever, bottom of the receiver, cylinder, trigger guard tang, and buttplate heel. All of the visible serial numbers match. The initials "J.R.H. Jr." in an oval cartouche are stamped on the bottom of the stock behind the lower tang. The rifle has a .36 caliber, 27 inch, part round/part octagon barrel with dove-tail mounted steel front sight. A cleaning rod with knurled handle is attached to the left side of the barrel and receiver by an eyelet on the muzzle and a threaded eyelet on the receiver. An oiler, unique to the First Model Sporting Rifle, is attached to the left side of the receiver. The rifle has a six-shot, unfluted cylinder. The receiver top-strap has a recessed elevating rear sight. The unique, First Model trigger guard has finger spurs in front and in back of the trigger guard bow. The crescent steel buttplate has a beveled heel. The barrel, receiver, cylinder, trigger guard, cleaning rod, oiler and buttplate have a high polish blue finish. The loading lever and hammer are color casehardened. The nicely figured American walnut stock has a high polish piano finish.

Excellent. The rifle is all original, appears to be un-fired and exhibits only minimal storage and handling wear. More than 85% of the bright original high polish blue finish remains. The blue on the rear half of the barrel, trigger guard, lower tang and buttplate has scattered flaking; the exposed surfaces have a smooth, blue-gray patina that resembles a casehardened finish. The balance of the rifle retains a brilliant, high polish, blue finish. Nearly all of the blue finish on the cylinder is intact and the roll-engraved scene is sharp. The original hand engraved Old English style Colt barrel markings and the serial numbers are crisp. The percussion nipples and cylinder face are free from flash pitting and show no firing wear. The hammer and loading lever have fiery case colors. The sides of the receiver have a few scattered and very minor handling marks. The stock is in excellent plus condition and retains close to 98% of the original piano finish; wear is limited to several very minor handling or storage marks. This may be the best early production, Colt Model 1855 "First Model" Sporting Rifle extant. The condition is considerably better than that of First Model Sporting Rifle serial number 79 illustrated on pages 177 and 186 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" by R.L. Wilson. This is an exceptional example of a rare and excellent, early production, Colt Model 1855 "First Model" Sporting Rifle and the finest example we have ever offered at auction!