Extremely Rare One-of-a-Kind Documented J. R. Comer Inscribed Silver Banded and Embellished Colt Paterson Percussion Revolving "Plains Rifle"

This extraordinary and extensively embellished Colt Model 1839 sporting rifle, serial number 177, is among the most deluxe and unusual Paterson Colts known, having been custom built from a carbine action with a special 32 1/8-inch heavy octagonal barrel. This rifle is prominently featured and described on pages 20-21 of The Colt Engraving Book Volume 1 by R.L. Wilson. It is lavishly adorned with sterling silver overlays and inlays throughout, showcasing an unparalleled degree of artistry for an early production Colt firearm.

The extensive silverwork includes: an inscribed sterling silver name plate on the backstrap; scroll motifs and border designs on the barrel lug; an arrow motif at the muzzle behind the silver blade front sight set on a silver base; two barrel bands at the muzzle; multiple long silver bands at the breech; seven bands along the bottom of the barrel lug; matching scrollwork on each side of the lug; two silver cylinder bands; a silver inlaid band on the rear section of the recoil shield; and a finely crafted silver buttplate. The left side of the buttstock features an inlaid silver-cased compass inscribed “J. R. Comer/I bought/tuesday Oct. V…th/1837,” with a faceted lid released by a concealed catch in the tang. The right side of the buttstock bears an oval sterling silver escutcheon with floral terminals, while the underside is fitted with an intricate silver toeplate of diamond-pierced design.

The heavy octagonal barrel, 15/16 inches wide at both breech and muzzle, has its lug brazed to the barrel proper and is fitted with a faceted, elevation-adjustable rear sight. The underside of the barrel is marked “Patent Arms M’g. Co. Paterson, N:J.-Colt’s Pt.” using the Texas Paterson roll die, and the matching partial serial number “77” appears on the wedge, cylinder, and cylinder ring, with “177” marked on the rear of the barrel lug. The eight-shot squareback cylinder retains visible “Patent Arms Manufactory Patterson N. Jersey” and “COLT’S PATENT” markings as well as traces of the original Model 1839 carbine scene. The select walnut stock has a 13 7/8-inch length of pull and features a classic fluted cheekpiece inspired by Kentucky and Plains rifle styling, with a faint inscription similar to that on the compass lid.

The identity of “J.R. Comer” is unknown, but the extraordinary craftsmanship and extensive sterling silver work suggest he was a man of means, commissioning one of the most ornate Paterson firearms ever produced. Samuel Colt patented his revolving firearms on February 25, 1836, and the Model 1839 series is believed to have been manufactured between circa 1838 and 1841, with additional production completed by John Ehlers through 1845. Very few were built as rifles, making this example exceptionally rare.