This rare Colt Paterson First Model Ring Lever rifle, also called the No. 1, is one of only approximately 200 manufactured in total by the Patent Arms Mfg. Co. in Paterson, New Jersey, between 1837-1838, serial numbered from 1 on up, according to page 42 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" (1971 publication) by Sutherland and Wilson, and also page 178 of "The Paterson Colt Book" by Wilson. The No. 1 Ring Lever rifle is very important as the first firearm manufactured by Samuel Colt, prior to commencing production of handguns, and surviving examples are extremely rare today in any form. These are considered a crown jewel for any Colt collector. This exact No. 1 Ring Lever rifle is pictured on pages 186-187 of "The Paterson Colt Book" by R.L. Wilson, listed by its cylinder's serial number 95, next to a No. 2 Ring Lever rifle in which the differences are illustrated. The caption for this rifle indicates it has a barrel of special heavyweight design and an unusual barrel lug profile, and further states, "Note extreme rarity of loading lever and special barrel lug profile. Loading lever is a later gunsmith addition to rifle as it is a Navy type lever and catch. The capping groove on the right recoil shield is narrow and extends back into the stock, probably done at same time as addition of loading lever." The No. 2 Ring Lever rifle pictured below was recently sold by Rock Island Auction Company in the May 2025 Premier (Auction 4094, Lot 1201). This No. 1 Ring Lever rifle has the identifying frame top strap and an eight-shot cylinder. There are a few features on this example differing from "standard" No. 1 Ring Lever examples witnessed. The bottom of the barrel has the mentioned navy type loading lever bearing a very strong resemblance to the Dragoons and subsequent Colt revolver models, and the cylinder has a rounded back shape and a capping groove on the right of the frame similar to the subsequent No. 2 model. The .38 caliber octagon barrel has a blade front sight and a dovetail mounted blued "V" notch rear sight. The barrel wedges are not fitted with springs. The rifle has the distinctive ring lever on the bottom of the frame ahead of the trigger guard to rotate the cylinder and cock the internal hammer. The top barrel flat is professionally re-engraved with the legend "Colt's Patent" and "Patent Arms Man'g. Co. Paterson N. Jersey." between the rear sight and the top strap, with arrow terminals at either end of the legend and between "Colt's Patent" and "Patent Arms". The cylinder is roll-engraved with the first type horsemen and centaur deer hunting scene and "COLT" marking. Serial number "135" marked on the cylinder arbor pin, revolving cylinder collar, and repeated on the toe of the buttplate, with "95" on the rear of the cylinder, and no visible numbers on the wedges. The varnished walnut stock has a cheekpiece inlaid with the Colt four-horse-head trademark in German silver, and a crescent steel buttplate. Made in very limited numbers, the No. 1 Ring Lever rifle is one of the rarest of all Colt firearms. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection