Manufactured in 1888, just one year after the introduction of the Large Frame Lightning rifles and the .38-56 Winchester cartridge. The latter is best suited to black bear and small game unlike the larger "Express" calibers of the Large Frame line. This example has a Marble's "improved" peep/bead front sight, standard adjustable sporting rear sight, the two-line address and patent marking on top of the barrel, "38-56-255" on the left at the breech, the Rampant Colt trademark on the left side of the frame, a multi-point checkered forearm, smooth stock, and rifle buttplate.

Very fine with 75% original finish on the metal, protective varnish on most of the lightly sanded refinished wood, some light scratches and dings, gray patina in the fading areas of the frame, crisp checkering on the forearm, and dark brown patina on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent. It is very hard to find high condition Large Frame Colt Lightning Magazine Rifles, especially from the first years of production.