This is a highly desirable original Colt/Armalite AR-15 Model 01 selective fire rifle, the first commercial model of the original Army/Air Force designated M16 rifle and was reportedly manufactured in the very first contract run circa 1960-1962. This is truly an unbelievable find for the advanced Colt/Armalite AR-15 collector or Class III enthusiast. This wonderful example is all original to include the original very early original green plastic handguards, buttstock and pistol grip. This example has all of its original early features such as: the first pattern (M16 type) upper receiver without the forward assist that has the two position rear sight assembly. It is proofed on the front, right side with a small capital "C" inside a square box over the inverted Colt "VP" proof mark. The upper receiver is fitted with the first pattern, non-chrome, steel barrel with the slightly smaller exposed front barrel section with the short three prong flash hider. It is stamped on the left and right sides of the barrel with the inverted Colt "VP" proof and "M" proof between the legs of the gas block. The barrel is not even marked with the twist rate, so you know it's early. It is also fitted with the very first pattern all machined front sight/gas block assembly with the raised "arrow/UP" markings on top, behind the front sight. The left side of the magazine well is correctly marked with the large circled Rampant Colt logo followed by "COLT/Armalite AR15/PATENTS PENDING/CAL. .223/MODEL 01/SERIAL 012969". Farther back it is marked "COLTS PATENT FIREARMS MFG. CO. /HARTFORD CONN./U.S.A." followed by the standard three position selector switch markings of: "SAFE/SEMI/AUTO". It has the early style unmarked, all chromed full auto bolt carrier and bolt assembly, with the second pattern, cotter key cross-pin. The complete bolt and extractor are chrome plated, and the side of the bolt is marked with only an etched "P" proof. The lower receiver is fitted with the early machined selector switch with the small hole in the center on each side and also the early type 1, two-piece buffer assembly. It even has the early first pattern bolt release with serrations on both the top and bottom edges, and it has the very first pattern charging handle with the short, narrow ears on the rear of the handle. It is also fitted with the early green plastic handguards, pistol grip and buttstock. The buttstock is the correct no-trap pattern with the hard rubber buttplate. This rare early Colt/Armalite AR15 rifle also comes with an equally rare early "Waffle pattern" Armalite/Colt marked AR15 magazine, a Colt/Armalite marked bayonet with green grip, and its original brown cardboard shipping box. The box has no label and is marked with its handwritten matching serial number "012969" and "MOD 01" on the end, and the side of the box has the patent info in black ink.

Excellent with 97% plus of its original anodized/parkerized finish overall with only minor light edge and high spot wear with rub marks visible on the right side of the magazine well. The markings are clear and sharp. The plastic components are also excellent with nice original green color with only a couple of minor nicks. Mechanically excellent. Bayonet is very fine. Box is very good with some edge wear and storage related handling marks. This is a really super nice condition, early Colt/Armalite AR15 Model 01 fully automatic rifle. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.