This is a scarce example of a U.S. martially marked Colt Model 1855 revolving rifle as manufactured in 1861. The Ordnance Department purchased 4,613 Colt 1855 Military Rifles during the Civil War; nearly 900 of these rifles were purchased from B. Kittredge and other commercial sources and over 3,700 rifles were purchased directly from Colt. The 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters (Berdan's Sharpshooters), the 21st Ohio Infantry and 2nd Michigan Cavalry were primarily armed with Colt Model 1855 Military Rifles. The rifle was originally "in the white," has a five-shot cylinder, a Root-type side hammer, ratchet-type loading lever, fitted with a block front sight base which serves as a mount for an angular socket bayonet, a modern made replacement folding three leaf rear sight, an iron cleaning rod with knurled handle and threaded end fitted in the forearm, "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." partially visible on the upper receiver tang, very faint remnants of boxed script inspection cartouches on both sides of the wrist. Faint small "K" inspector stamp on the left breech end of the barrel. All matching serial numbers "1091" marked on the barrel beneath the forearm, bottom of the frame, trigger guard tang, cylinder pin, cylinder and faintly visible on the toe of the buttplate. The stock and forearm are black walnut with a varnish finish. Factory sling swivels are located on the middle barrel band and trigger guard tang. The buttplate has a sliding trapdoor. Includes a period leather sling, socket bayonet marked with an "L" and a cleaning rod inside the sliding trapdoor compartment of the buttstock.

Good showing evidence of genuine period use, with scattered patches of light to mild pitting and evidence of sanding on the "in the white" iron surfaces, with fading to some of the markings. Modern made replacement rear sight, cylinder pin release button and a few small screws. The refinished wood is very good with scattered light dents and scratches, general light wear, and some chips in the edges of the cleaning rod channel. The cylinder occasionally slips out of timing, mechanically needs work. The included bayonet and sling are both very good. This is a solid representative example of a U.S. inspected Colt Model 1855 military revolving rifle.