The upper tang is inscribed with a crest with a cardinal eagle holding a maltese cross perched on top a "three tier turban heraldic device" followed by "F.C/from/M.E.C./C.R.C./H.C." No information about this inscription is available, but the fact that all of the last initials are "C" may indicate the rifle was presented by multiple members of a family to another member. Additionally, the quality of the inscription certainly suggests it was done by the factory though we cannot say for certain. Only around 1,000 of the "First Model" revolving rifles and carbines were manufactured in 1856-1859 in several barrel lengths. Only 125 of the first models had the 21 inch barrels, per page 182 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson. The design is essentially an scaled up version of the Model 1855 "Root" revolvers. These are historically significant as the first long guns manufactured at Colt's Hartford factory. They are easily identified by the oilers mounted on the left side of the frames and the roll-scene of a hunter firing at five deer. A cleaning rod is also mounted on the left side. This rifle has a dovetailed blade front sight, "{COLT'S PT./1856}" and "{ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.}" on top of the barrel at the breech, adjustable notch rear sight on the top strap, double spur trigger guard, smooth buttstock with rifle buttplate, and the matching serial number on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder, frame, and trigger guard. The rifle comes with an extremely rare factory walnut case with a variety of accessories, including a flask, three original cartridges, bullet mold, cap tins, 1855 dated silver half-dollar, grease, brush, combination tool, and oiler. Compounding the rarity of this fine factory cased set is the original factory label and Colt directions sheet on the lid of the case that includes an image of a First Model rifle. A label that as far as our research can tell is the only surviving example extant. The consignor states that this rifle had been inspected on several occasions by noted Colt author and expert R.L. Wilson and that Mr. Wilson wrote a 16 page letter detaling to the rarity of this gun, the factory casing and most notably the original factory label. Unfortunately this set was loaned to another auction house to be photographed for a promotional piece and at much dismay to the consignor lost the letter.