SCARCE 19" COLT LIGHTNING EXPRESS .50-95 1 of 1

SN 5749, MFG 1891, extremely rare large frame Colt lightning .50-95 rifle with FACTORY LETTER, ammunition and loading tools. Factory letter states the gun was shipped in a one gun shipment to Bombay India on February 20, 1891. Due to the large caliber, it can be assumed it was intended for large game. This is the only example known with a 19" round barrel. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO.HARTFORD CT. U.S.A./PATENTED MAY29.SEPT.18.83.MAY 28.85.JUNE 15.86.FEB22.87." ahead of the rear sight. The caliber, "50-95-EX" is boldly marked on the left side of the barrel below the rear sight. The Rampant Colt trademark is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame and the serial number, "5749 " is stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger guard. The bore is bright and clean with nice rifling. Smooth mostly gray metal with nice markings and traces of blue finish. Action is smooth and crisp. Has optional tang sight, a adjustable ramp rear sight and a German silver blade front sight. Stocks are very good with handling wear. Includes loading tools, brasses, reloads and bullet mold. Large frame Colt Lightning rifles are scarce with a production of only 6,496 manufactured between 1887 and 1894. A small number of these were 50-95 EX caliber, and only one is known with a 19" barrel. according to the Colt historian. Antique, Very Good-Excellen