Colt manufactured approximately 6,496 of these large frame rifles from 1887 to 1894 making it by far the most scarce of the Colt Lightning rifles. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with a 28 inch octagon barrel in .40-60-260 (sic) caliber, blue finish and wood stock when it was shipped to C.G. Baisch of Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 12, 1891. It is equipped with dovetailed beaded blade front, elevation adjustable rear and tang sights. The barrel has the two-line address/1883, '85, '86 and '87 patent dates ahead of the rear sight and "40-60-260" on the upper left flat near the breech. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the receiver. Mounted with a checkered forearm and smooth straight grip stock.

Exceptionally fine. The rifle retains 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish with the balance thinning to a gray. A smooth gray patina is on the buttplate. Most of the original case colors remain on the hammer. The wood is also very fine showing some minor dings and scratches and a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.