Revolving rifles, like revolving handguns, were designed as a remedy to the slow rate of fire and relatively long reload times of muzzle loading firearms. Given the limitations and the expense of the revolving rifles, only 18,300 total revolving rifles were manufactured by Colt between 1855 and 1864 while hundreds of thousands of single-shot rifles and shotguns continued to dominate the military and commercial markets. Out of the 400 full and half stock Model 1855 Sporting Rifles in .36 caliber Colt manufactured, this is one of only 150 with a 27 inch barrel (see R.L. Wilson's "The Book of Colt Firearms," page 182). Coming just two digits away from this example, serial number 1419 from the William Ruger Collection, sold by Rock Island Auction in December 2021 for $54,625, was in this same configuration. That rifle and the current example are anomalies in terms of condition. Many of these Model 1855 rifles saw hard use, and when these scarce Colt long arms are encountered, they are generally found in rough condition. That is certainly not the case with this example which remains in exceptionally high condition. It is certainly one of Colt's finest revolving rifles we have cataloged. The barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a sliding hinged notch rear sight with large set screw. The top strap is marked "{COLT'S PT./1856}" and "{ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.}" Colt's September 10, 1850, patent date is stamped on one of the cylinder flutes. The serial number is stamped on the underside of the frame. A brass tipped wooden ramrod is housed under the barrel, and an extension is fitted in the stock compartment. The half-stock style forend is fitted with a German silver end cap and coordinating wedge escutcheons. The straight grip stock features multi-point checkering and a crescent buttplate which is numbered to the gun at the toe.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 75% plus original blue finish with some light fading and toning from age. The cylinders retain 90% of the original blue finish, and the frame retains 75% of the blue finish and has loss mostly due to flaking and smooth gray and brown patina on those areas. The trigger guard retains 40% of the original blue finish mainly on the protected areas and otherwise has smooth gray patina, and the buttplate patches of the bright original blue finish and otherwise smooth brown and gray patina on the balance. The hammer and loading lever retain 60% of the lightly fading original case colors. The wood is also exceptionally fine and has crisp checkering, light scratches, a few small dents, and generally minor overall handling and storage wear. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceptional example of a rarely encountered .36 caliber Colt Model 1855 Half-Stock Percussion Sporting Rifle and is certain to enhance any Colt or antique firearms collection.