According to page 199 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson, less than 100 of these Colt Model 1855 Artillery model carbines were likely produced in this configuration, with only 62 known to have been delivered to the U.S. government on October 8th, 1859, which is distinguished by having two barrel bands, a .56 caliber 24 inch barrel with right mounted saber bayonet lug, a 5-shot fluted cylinder and finish "in the white." This carbine has a root-type side hammer and a ratchet-type loading lever. Brass blade front sight and folding three-leaf rear sight graduated for 100, 300 and 600 yards. The rifle has an iron cleaning rod with knurled handle and threaded end fitted in the forearm. "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." marked on the top strap sight groove. Small "K" inspector stamp visible on the left side of the trigger guard bow. Matching serial number "1654" marked on the upper receiver tang, trigger guard tang, and on the toe of the buttplate. Disassembly was unable to be performed due to stiff components to be able to view the serial number on the barrel beneath the forearm, inside the forearm channel and on the cylinder and cylinder pin. Walnut forend and buttstock with a rifle buttplate with a sliding trap door containing a brass cleaning rod. Besides the blue finished barrel bands, the remaining metal components are correctly "in the white."

Good, exhibiting genuine untouched aged brown patina and some scattered peppering overall on the "in the white" iron surfaces, most of the original blue finish remaining on the rear barrel band, and scattered mild dings on the cylinder. The wood is fine with some scattered light scratches and dents. The cylinder pin release button will not move, and the loading lever will not move, otherwise mechanically fine. A genuine "attic fresh" example of a rare U.S. marked Colt Model 1855 Artillery carbine that would make a fine addition to any U.S. martial or Civil War collection!