In the mid-19th century, most firearms, especially long guns, were single shot or double barrels, but Colt's revolving firearms allowed you to keep five or more shots ready to go. These powerful 10 gauge shotguns were among the most powerful firearms available at the time and would have been excellent coach guns and cavalry shotguns, but only an estimated 600 of these 10 gauge (.75 caliber) large frame shotguns were manufactured c. 1860-1863 in addition to around 500 of the 20 gauge (.60 caliber) small frame versions per "The Book of Colt Firearms." They are thus among the rarest Colt percussion firearms and are hard to find in high condition like this one. The barrel has a small nickel-silver bead front sight and an under-rib with the cleaning rod secured in two ferrules and a walnut forearm with a silver plated brass forend cap. The frame has "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." marked in the sight groove on the top strap, a casehardened hammer, and the patent marking on the left. It is fitted with an attractive scroll pattern trigger guard. The left side of the barrel and the cylinder flutes have London proof marks indicating this example was sent over to London and likely sold through Colt's London Agency. The cylinder also has the patent marking in one of the flutes. The walnut buttstock has multi-point checkering and brass rod extensions under the buttplate.

Exceptionally fine with 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish remaining on the frame, 75% plus on the barrel, 95% of the fiery original case colors remaining on the hammer, 90% plus original silver plating on the forend cap, smooth gray and brown patina where the finish has faded on the buttplate and trigger guard, and some mild scratches and dings. Aside from a spliced repair at the toe and a hairline crack at the rear of the wrist, the wood is fine and has crisp checkering, some mild scrapes and dents, smooth finish, and some nice figure, especially on the left side of the butt. The action needs work.