No more than 100 of these Colt Berdan I Model 1868 single shot trapdoor rifles were manufactured with Colt barrel markings in English. General Hiram Berdan, of Civil War Sharpshooter fame, invented this rifle. The Russian Government ordered 30,000 of them and these were duly shipped to Russia along with 25 carbines using the same action from 1866 to 1870. This example is marked "-COLT'S Pt FIRE ARMS Mfg Co HARTFORD Ct-" in English on top of the barrel, unlike the Russian contract rifles which would have the colt address in cyrillic. Bayonet lug on the right front of the barrel. Full length walnut stock with circled mark on the left rear "J. VENABLES & SON/GUNMAKERS/OXFORD". Provenance: Firearms for Freedom Collection

Excellent, retaining 95% original blue finish with some light handling marks, a small nick on the barrel address, light wear on the barrel bands, and very light muzzle wear. 97% vivid case colors on the breech block and receiver area with some light spots of dried grease. Stock is also excellent with some light handling marks and dents, display lines below the breech area and ahead of the rear barrel band, and a small hole in the left rear of the stock. Mechanically excellent.