Manufactured from 1856 to 1864 with this .50 caliber example having an early production three digit serial number (107). Per R.L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms," Colt only manufactured 35 Model 1855 sporting rifles with 27 inch barrels chambered in .50 caliber. The top strap is marked "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." The left rear of the frame is marked "COLT'S PATENT/Nov 24th 1857." The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, rear face of the cylinder, arbor pin, trigger guard tang and buttplate. Fitted with a dovetail brass blade front sight and three leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 600 yards. Correctly lacks provision for a bayonet. There are two barrel bands, a sling swivel attached to the underside of the buttstock and rear barrel band, cleaning rod, 5-shot fluted cylinder, buttstock with solid crescent buttplate, and full length forearm with brass end cap.

Fine, retaining 40% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina mixed with some scattered pitting. The wood is also fine with much of the original varnish remaining, a number of minor-moderate ding and scratches. Mechanically fine.