Manufactured shortly after the acquisition of the AR-15 patents from ArmaLite, this Colt Model 01 holds an important place in the history of 20th century arms development, representing the beginnings of what would become one of the signature weapons of the late 20th century up to the current day. While troubled by some growing pains, the AR-15 design grew to become the de facto standard in small bore defense/combat rifles, and still remains the one to beat for anyone trying to become the next big thing. Many early features are present on this rifle, including a tapered "duck bill" three-prong flash hider, unmarked barrel, cast and milled front sight base with bayonet lug, black painted triangular handguard, windage-adjustable two-leaf rear sight, upper receiver with no deflector or forward assist, early bolt catch with tapered and serrated lower surface, and the early "slab sided" lower receiver. The magazine well is marked with the Colt logo over "ARMALITE AR15/PATENTS PENDING/CAL. .223/MODEL 01/SERIAL 000759", with a right handed "SAFE/SEMI/AUTO" selector unit, checkered grip, and smooth buttstock with a ribbed buttplate (no trapdoor). The bolt carrier is a later model, with serrations for a forward assist and a wire pin bolt retainer, and the bolt is marked "MPC". One early pattern "waffle" magazine is included, with Colt/Armalite markings on the floorplate. The left side of the upper receiver has an attached metal plate marked "MORTON GROVE POLICE DEPT./114". Located in Cook County, Illinois, north of Chicago, the Morton Grove holds the unpleasant distinction of being one of the first towns in America to enact a total ban on handgun possession from 1981 to 2008. No firm details on what use this rifle saw with the Morton Grove PD were provided by the consignor, but prior to the North Hollywood Shootout in 1997 police AR-15/M16 rifles were chiefly associated with "SWAT" style armed response/high risk warrant units.

Excellent, with 98% plus original black anodized finish, showing some light rubbing and scratching on the metal and furniture. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.