Presented are the remains of a rare, relic Model 1855 “First Model’ Colt Sporting Rifle as recovered from the Colt factory in Hartford, Connecticut after its great destructive fire there in 1864. Manufactured from 1856 to 1859, this specimen is one of some 1,000 1^st Model sporting rifles the company made. The relic rifle still exhibits special characteristics such as the channel on the left side of the frame under the barrel for the attached patent oiler and clamp devices (both missing), the unique cylinder scene (Five Deer & a Hunter), lack of forestock, the double-spurred guard on the triggerguard, and obviously, the missing, burned up walnut stock. It also appears that various smaller components may have been salvaged from this piece over the years.

This relic has a 27” long round barrel save for a 3¾” semi-octagonal section at the frame. Frame is fitted with a .36 caliber, six-shot, unfluted cylinder with its safety stops between each chamber. Original nipples are intact. Cylinder surface has been mostly scored, flaked and burned up by the fire, but it still retains traces of the toll engraved ‘Hunter’ scene as well as light traces of the legend “COLT’S PATENT / No. 132 / SPORTING RIFLE.” Wedge is missing. Assembly numbers “983” appear on certain parts of the relic. Hammer is original but is inoperative. Also, the sporting rifle had a cleaning rod attachment, (now missing), that is tangent to the left side of barrel with a metal eyelet at the muzzle and a metal swivel eyelet at the breech above the recoil shield. Provenance of this historic relic is available through a letter from the previous owner.

If one seeks a rare Colt revolving rifle specimen, this relic sporting rifle recovered from the Colt factory in Hartford makes for a once in a life time acquisition.

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