Small Frame Colt .22 Lightning Slide-Action Rifle 1888

Serial #6571, .22 RF, 24" octagon barrel with a very good, bright bore that has some mild freckling within the grooves along its length.  This is an 1888-made rifle that has retained 85-90% of the original bright blue finish with mild silvering at the muzzle, along the edges of the barrel facets, and some of the raised surfaces and projections.  Some fading to mottled gray is present on the underside of the frame and on the lower grip tang.  Original color case-hardening still remains on the hammer, and the swing-out loading gate has a mild yellow-ochre patina.  The front and rear sights are also original and are in fine shape.  The buttstock has scattered small handling marks and blemishes marring the original varnish, mostly on either side of the wrist, and the original Colt hard rubber buttplate is in fine, little-worn condition.  The checkered slide has glued repairs along the left side with a two fairly straight cracks: one along the underside that runs from the nose to the screw bolster, and a crack that runs along the entire left side.  This is a fine small frame Lightning, which could easily be improved, and would make a great addition to any collection.  Antique