The scarcest group of Colt Lightning rifles, only 6,496 of these large frame rifles were manufactured between 1887-1894. This example was manufactured in 1890 and has a full-length magazine, dovetail front sight, and adjustable sporting rear sight. The forearm is checkered. The rifle has a blue barrel, magazine and receiver with casehardened hammer and crescent buttplate. The stock and forearm are straight grain oil finished walnut. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "COLTS PT.F.A. MFG.CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A./PATENTED MAY 29. SEPT 18.83. MAY 26.85. JUNE 15.85. FEB 22.87." ahead of the rear sight. The caliber "45-85-285" is stamped in large script numerals on the left side of the barrel below the rear sight. The Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The serial number "4649" is stamped on the lower receiver tang behind the trigger guard.

Good with traces of the thinned blue finish remaining with a mostly brown patina overall with some areas brighter and light scratches and marks overall. The dust cover has "Hemb" hand scratched on top. The buttplate has some oxidation. The re-oiled wood is very good with a variety of minor scratches and small dings. The checkering on the forearm remains crisp, and there are a couple of chips on the left front and on the bottom of the butt. Mechanically fine with clear markings.