This is a representative example of a Colt small frame Model 1855 Revolving Shotgun manufactured circa 1860 to 1863. The shotgun has a .60 caliber (20 gauge) round barrel with semi-octagonal section at the breech. The barrel has an under-rib with two ramrod pipes and is fitted with a brass front bead sight. The shotgun has a wooden ramrod with flared brass tip. The shotgun has a five-shot fluted cylinder, straight rammer with indented center, small frame with sighting grove on the top strap and round iron trigger guard. The walnut stock has an iron shotgun buttplate. The wedge-fastened forearm has a German silver forearm tip and oval wedge escutcheon. The stock and forearm are straight grain walnut with a varnished finish and non-factory checkered stock wrist. The top of the octagonal section of the barrel is marked "{COLT'S PT. / 1856}" followed by "{ADDRESS COL. COLT / HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.}". The left side of the frame is marked "COLT'S PATENT / NOV.24th 1857" and "PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850" is stamped in one cylinder flute. The matching serial number is stamped on the underside of the frame, the trigger guard finial and on the toe of the buttplate. The Colt Model 1855 Revolving Shotgun was manufactured in limited numbers, total production for both 10 and 20 gauge was approximately 1100, with the estimated production of small frame (20 gauge) at about 500.

Very good as partially restored. The barrel, trigger guard and frame have a smooth dark patina with some minor pitting on the frame ahead of the cylinder. The cylinder is reparied and reblued with the patent markings having been re-engraved with some minor pitting. With the exception of two minor cracks on the stock toe, the period custom checkered wood is very good with most of the original varnish remaining and some scattered minor dings, dents and scratches, with relatively crisp checkering. With the exception of the left side frame marking, the markings remain crisp and clear. The action is fine.