3001

VERY RARE, EARLY & FINE NO. 1 IMPROVED COLT

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
VERY RARE, EARLY & FINE NO. 1 IMPROVED COLT
PATERSON RING LEVER RIFLE. Cal. 36. S# 24. Bbl. 26 1/8" oct. This was the very 1st production model of any Colt by the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company, several months prior to the production of any handgun. There are variants of this 1st model. This however, is the standard 1st model ring lever rifle with top strap over cylinder, with factory improvements of loading assembly (matching factory S#), and capping channel in frame. Improved 1st models are found on early and high serial numbers, though most do not have them. Only 200 of this earliest model were made 1837-1838. The ring lever turned the cylinder and cocked the internal hidden hammer. The 8-shot cylinder most often as on this example has rolled scene of horseman, centaur shooting deer and “COLT”. The browned 26 1/8” octagonal barrel has correct earliest address terminating with the ball and arrows “Colt’s Patent” and “Patent Arms M’g. Co., Paterson, N. Jersey” separated by correct floral motif. Cylinder, frame, backstrap, triggerguard, and ring lever are blued. Varnished nicely figured walnut stock is inset with a silver 4-headed Colt logo unique to this model rifle. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: specifications data sheet compiled by Bob Pershing in 2008. CONDITION: fine overall, thin original brown on barrel, address is light but discernible, strong traces of bright blue in protected areas of frame, top strap and ring lever. Cylinder rolled scene mostly discernible with patches of pitting. Stock is sound and retains most of old varnish finish, old glued toe repair w/ about 1" inset. Matching S# “24” is seen on back of cylinder, cylinder ring, loading lever flat, loading lever base inset into barrel, bottom toe of buttplate, and wedge. Further disassembly no doubt will locate more matching numbers, gun appears original and authentic in every regard. Mechanically fine, shiny seven land & groove rifling. This rifle must have traveled to Belgium in 19th century as there is Liege testing proof stamped on face of cylinder and side of barrel under loading arm. PROVENANCE: Greg Martin. (01-18830/JS). ANTIQUE. $30,000-50,000.