97. Super Extremely Rare Colt Berdan Rifle in 45-70 Caliber!  This is one of only twenty manufactured         ( 30,0000 were made for the Russian Contract in .42 Berdan cal.).  Some features of this rifle that differ from the Russian examples include the following:  Colt barrel address is in English, "H. Berdan's" is stamped atop the breechblock, correct rear sight graduated to 1100 yards,  lack of a finger rest on the lower tang and longer breechblock.  Col. Hiram Berdan's rifle became the first cartridge rifle produced by Colt and was instrumental to the company's survival following the Civil War.  Overall near excellent condition, smooth clean metal having turned to a dark blue-plum patina.  Excellent bright shiney bore, correct ramrod, correct 32.5" barrel.  Near excellent walnut with virtually all original varnish.  Rear of barrel bears 'No. 22' and underside of breechblock has '22' as well.  This is the first Colt Berdan Rifle I've owned in cal. 45-70 and I doubt I'll ever encounter another!  Antique.