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, only 1,000 Colt First Model 1855 Sporting Rifles were manufactured and only 300 were manufactured in this configuration. The top barrel flat near the breech is marked "{COLT'S PT./1856}{ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.}" The cylinder is roll engraved with the deer and hunter scene and marked "COLT'S PATENT./No 420/SPORTING RIFLE". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard tang, loading lever and on the toe of the buttplate. Brass blade front and single leaf folding rear sight, no bayonet provisions, and cleaning rod attached to the left side of the frame and barrel. The oiling device normally found on the left side of the barrel lug is absent. Trigger guard with two spur projections, casehardened frame, hammer and loading lever; blue remaining metal parts, and mounted with a smooth nicely figured straight grip walnut stock with a crescent buttplate.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a mottled brown and gray patina with some minor oxidation on the barrel and a few minor dings on the cylinder. The cylinder scene is not visible, and the serial number and part of the word "SPORTING" are visible. The marking on the barrel flat is sharp and clear. The fine highly figured stock shows some scattered minor dents, dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. The oiler and mounting brackets on left forward frame are absent.