Manufactured circa 1856-1864. Part of a line of revolver-type long arms which enjoyed some success, but in many ways was ahead of its time. According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson, 250 Colt 1855 sporting rifles were manufactured in this configuration. The top strap is marked "COL. COLT HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." The left rear of the frame is marked "COLT'S PATENT/Nov 24th 1857", and the left side of the trigger guard shoulder is marked "44 CAL". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard tang and on the toe of the buttplate. Brass blade front and three leaf folding rear sight, no bayonet provisions, the cleaning rod is absent, two barrel bands with a sling swivel on the rear band, 6-shot long fully fluted cylinder with under barrel racket type loading lever, smooth trigger and side mounted hammer with checkered spur. Full forearm with brass end cap and straight grip stock with sling swivel mounted on the lower tang and iron crescent buttplate.