POTD: Colt’s Ring Lever Rifle – Rarest of the Rare Patersons
Sam.S 04.30.25
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This exceptionally scarce Paterson Colt revolving rifle represents one of Samuel Colt’s earliest production longarms. Made between 1838-1841 at his original New Jersey factory, the Second Model “Ring Lever” is named for its distinctive operating system – that ring under the frame that rotates the cylinder and cocks the concealed hammer. Only about 500 of these No. 2 models were produced, following the even rarer 200-gun run of First Model rifles. This particular example (serial #231) is documented in “The Paterson Colt Book” and features several distinctive Second Model characteristics – the frameless top, right-side loading lever, cutout in the recoil shield for capping, and rounded rear shoulders on the eight-shot cylinder. What makes this gun particularly special is the intact cylinder scene – the famous centaur with gun aimed at a deer along with three horsemen. Most surviving examples have lost their cylinder engravings to heavy use and cleaning over the decades. The historical significance of these rifles can’t be overstated. According to R.L. Wilson, 100 Second Model rifles were purchased by the Republic of Texas in 1839, making them some of the first repeating longarms used in what would become American westward expansion. True to its Paterson heritage, the barrel bears the distinctive “Patent Arms M’g. Co. Paterson, N.J.-Colt’s Pt.” address. The matching serial number appears on multiple components, including the barrel lug, cylinder face, cylinder collar, frame, and buttplate. For Colt collectors, these Ring Lever rifles represent the holy grail – predecessor to all that followed and among the scarcest production firearms to bear the Colt name. This example’s documented provenance and remarkable condition make it a cornerstone piece for any serious collection of American arms.
“Patent Arms Mfg. Co. Colt Paterson Second Model Ring Lever Rifle.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4094/1201/patent-arms-mfg-co-colt-paterson-second-model-ring-lever-rifle. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
