This is an excellent example of a rare Colt Model 1890 Gatling Gun mounted on a tri-pod. The Model 1889 was essentially an improved version of the Model 1883. In 1889 Gatling returned to the well proved classic design of the exposed barrels as used in the Indian War campaign. Some of the improvements included a device called the "Murphy Stop", (a cocking switch) a new type carriage and the feed port was interchangeable with the special Bruce feed or use of the old style gravity feed magazine. Similar to the Model 1883, the Murphy stop allowed the gunner to disengage the cocking mechanism while unloading the gun and during training exercises without ammunition. The control knob was in a more convenient location on the cascabel plate and operation was more positive since the knob had to be pulled out as well as turned. This model features ten 31 inch 45-70 barrels, (5 inches of the muzzle end are octagon), has an overall length of 49 inches and weighs approximately 200 pounds without the tri-pod and has a rate of fire of 525 rounds per minute. Essentially all models manufactured from 1889 to 1892 were identical. The breech end of each barrel is numbered 1 thru 10, proofed "V/P/eagle head" and "R.A.C." (Rinaldo A. Carr) inspected. The breech end of the breech housing is marked with the corresponding barrel number. The sights are mounted on the right side of the frame. The rear of the magazine feed port is marked "PATENTED/FEB. 11, 1890/R.A.C.". The top of the receiver is engraved "Gatling Gun/Patented/Manfd at/COLT'S ARMORY/Hartford, Conn. U.S.A./MODEL 1890./No 497 CAL. 45/SEB"(Capt. Stanhope E. Blunt). The gun is mounted on a reproduction tri-pod. The U.S. Army purchased 18 Model 1890 Gatling Guns (serial number 492-509), with this gun being one of those, 17 Model 1891s and 18 Model 1892s. These were the last 45-70 Gatling Guns ordered by the U.S. Government. The Gatling Gun had a huge impact on the battlefield and changed the face of wars forever.

Fair. The metal surfaces have a gray patina with some scattered minor pitting. The brass components have a very pleasant aged patina. The markings have been re-engraved, and are now clearly legible. Mechanically fine. The magazine is incorrect for this gun and does not fit. The tri-pod is very good with some moderate pitting under the black finish on the metal portion. A nice, rare U.S. Government Model 1890 Gatling Gun, one of only 18 purchased by the U.S. Government and one of the last 45-70 caliber Gatling Guns purchased by the U.S.