Manufactured in 1855. The rare full stock Colt Model 1855 sporting rifle is part of a limited production of a few hundred. It has a 27 inch part octagon .44 caliber barrel, five shot fluted cylinder, and brass trigger guard. The barrel has a brass sporting front sight and rear sight with one fixed and two folding leafs graduated for 100, 300 and 600 yards. The varnished black walnut stock has a crescent steel buttplate with a sliding compartment containing a cleaning rod tip. The barrel, cylinder, and frame have a blue finish. The loading lever and hammer are color casehardened. All matching serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel, inside the forearm channel, bottom of the frame, trigger guard tang, and toe of the buttplate. The top strap is marked with the scarce "ADDRESS COL. COLT LONDON". London "Crown/V" and "Crown/GP" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left barrel flat and on the cylinder above each chamber. "44 CAL/K" is stamped in the left side trigger guard flat. The initials "J.R.H. Jr" are stamped in an oval cartouche on the bottom of the stock behind the trigger guard, and on the right rear. This marking was the collection cartouche of J.R. Hegeman Jr., one of the most noted early collectors who was a member of the Colt's Board of Directors at the turn of the century, and head of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Hegeman had some connections within the Colt company that afforded him the opportunity to own many of the finest examples, with this London marked Colt rifle no exception.

Fine, retaining 85% plus original blue finish on the barrel with some light scattered freckling, very light muzzle wear, edge wear and brown patina on the barrel bands, and dried grease spots. 50% original blue finish on the frame with some light scattered flaking mixed with mottled brown patina, wear on the tangs, and finish remaining in protected areas. Blued cylinder turned to a smooth brown patina with some light flash pitting around the nipples. Casehardened ramrod lever and hammer turned to a gray mixed with mottled brown patina. Stock is very good with scattered dings, dents and scratches. The hammer does not stay back on the first click; otherwise mechanically fine.