This is a rare and highly desirable example of a Colt Paterson Second Model ring lever rifle. Colt manufactured approximately 500 of these rifles between 1838-1841. The rifle has the distinctive ring on the bottom of the frame ahead of the trigger guard to rotate the cylinder and cock the internal hammer, and the Second Model frame correctly without a top strap. This Standard Model rifle has a square-back, 8-shot cylinder, two-piece octagon barrel with braised lug and early style wedge with single center screw. German silver blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight. Remarked on top of the barrel "Patent Arms M'g. Co. Paterson, N.J.-Colt's Pt." with star and snake terminals on either side of the address. Matching original serial number "21" marked on the barrel, cylinder, ring lever, on the revolving collar on the cylinder keeper ring and on the keeper ring. Period replacement bone buttplate.