This distinctive turret carbine is the design of Parry W. Porter with features of the standard Third Model, which are typically seen numbered in the approximate 680-1225 serial number range, but has a few unusual features given the low serial number, round barrel and the lack of Porter markings. It has offset blade and notch sights on the barrel. Serial number "1" marked on the bottom of the barrel, frame, removable cylinder and on various components. Fitted in a smooth buttstock with a military style flat buttplate. Includes a printed copy of email correspondence from George Moller that states, "You may want to tell Jim that his Porter rifle is identical to one of mine. The serial number of his is '1' and mine is '9'. I think these two are survivors of the ten Porter rifles purchased by the Ordnance Department in the late 1850s. They were sent to the San Antonio Ordnance Depot, then disappeared from government records following the outbreak of the Civil War." The serial "9" George Moller is referring to may have been sold by Rock Island Auction Company recently, although listed as serial number "6" (Lot 81, Auction 84). This rifle, serial number "1", was previously on display at the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum between 2013-2022, was featured on "Serial Number One Guns" episode of Outdoor Channel's "Gun Stories" season 4 episode 16, is pictured on page 196 of the book "Guns of the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum", and pictured on page 64 of the book "The Illustrated History of Firearms From the NRA Museums, Second Edition". Circular brass collection tag marked "101/SUPICA" hanging from the rear sling swivel. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Good with dark brown and gray patina, scattered light to moderate pitting, and general mild wear overall indicative of period martial use. The turret cover and one screw on the rear of the door is absent. The stock is also good and has numerous scratches and dings. The hammer spring is broken, otherwise mechanically fine.