This is an exceptional, totally original example of a British proofed Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbine that was manufactured circa 1862. Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbines are a rare variation of the Colt Model 1855 Revolving Rifle. Colt London Agency sold approximately 2,000 Model 1855 Revolving Carbines. Examples are typically found in the 10,000-12,000 serial number range. This carbine has British London, "Crown/CP" and "Crown/V" inspection and proof marks stamped on the left barrel flat and in alternate flutes of the five-shot cylinder. The carbine has a .56 caliber, 21-inch, part-octagon/part-round barrel, brass oval trigger guard and crescent brass buttplate. The barrel has a brass front sight blade and a folding, three-leaf rear sight with sight leaves graduated for 100, 300 and 600 yards. A sling ring is attached by a staple to the left side of the receiver. The barrel, cylinder and frame have the Colt military blue finish. The loading lever and hammer are color casehardened. The stock is oil-finished black walnut. "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT.U.S.A." is roll-stamped in the sighting groove on the top-strap. "PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850" is roll-stamped in one cylinder flute. "COLT'S PATENT/NOV. 24th 1857" is lightly stamped in a curve on the left side of the frame above the sling ring staple. The serial number, "11638" is stamped on the underside of the barrel beneath the loading lever, on the underside of the frame behind the loading lever cut-out, behind the trigger guard and on the toe of the buttplate. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Excellent plus. The carbine shows very little wear and retains 97% of the original blue and casehardened finish. The military blue finish has traces of plum brown patina on contact points of the barrel, cylinder and frame. The percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder show minute evidence of having been fired. The hammer, face of the cylinder, breech and inside of the frame show no sign of ever being fired. The loading lever and hammer retain 98% plus of the original casehardened finish. The screw-heads are in perfect condition and retain most of the niter blue finish. The brass trigger guard and buttplate have a pristine "mustard yellow" age patina. The proof marks, serial numbers and Colt markings on the cylinder and the top of the frame are crisp. The stock is in nearly new condition with all of the original oil finish. The stock shows almost no handling or storage wear and retains the un-touched, "feathered" grain. This is certainly one of the finest examples of the rare Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbine extant. It is most likely the finest example of a Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbine ever offered for sale by the Rock Island Auction Co.