Only around 1,000 of the "First Model" revolving rifles and carbines were manufactured in 1856-1859 in several barrel lengths. The design is essentially an upsized 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 (absent in this case). 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, bordered knurling on the hammer, double spur trigger guard, smooth buttstock with rifle buttplate, and the matching serial number on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder, frame, and trigger guard. With the rifle is a file of related documents. Among those is a letter from Cameron P. Laughlin, curator at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, stating that this rifle was deaccessioned from the Cody Firearms Museum and was sold on January 15, 1991. It was owned by Edwin Pugsley, General Superintendent and CEO of Winchester, and then became part of the Winchester Arms Collection. Laughlin also notes, "It is believed that the refinishing was done in the 1920s by Stokes Kirk, the head refinisher at the Kolb Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."

Fine with 95% of the period retailer refinished high quality deep blue finish remaining, some wear visible under the finish, patches of strong original case colors (particularly the loading lever), generally distinct markings, and scattered marks and scratches. The stock is fine and has glossy varnish and mild scratches and pressure marks. Mechanically needs work. Provenance: Edwin Puglsey, Winchester Arms Collection, and Cody Firearms Museum Collection