This is a solid representative example of a U.S. martially marked Colt Model 1855 revolving carbine that was manufactured prior to the Civil War. The Ordnance Department purchased 4,613 Colt 1855 Military rifles and carbines 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. According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson, only 25 Colt Model 1855 Revolving Military rifles were produced in this configuration. This carbine has a five-shot cylinder, a root-type side hammer, and a ratchet-type loading lever. Brass blade front sight and the folding three-leaf rear sight is graduated for 100, 300 and 600 yards. The rifle has an iron cleaning rod with knurled handle and threaded end fitted in the forearm. "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." marked on the top strap sight groove. "COLTS/PATENT/US" on the top tang and "NOV 24th 1857". Illegible faded boxed script cartouche on the left wrist, and half visible "WAT" (William A. Thornton) on the right. "56 CAL" marked on the left side of the trigger guard bow. Small "K" inspector stamp on the top and left breech end of the barrel, and left sideplate. Matching serial numbers "881" marked on the barrel beneath the forearm, in the forearm channel, and trigger guard tang. Replacement buttplate with sliding trap door and marked "1108" at the toe. Walnut stock and forearm. Factory sling swivels are located on the rear barrel band and trigger guard tang. Includes a "Brazilian Navy" saber bayonet made by Schnitzler & Kirschbaum in Solingen, Prussia with "S&K" and naval anchor markings at the base of the blade and "1986" on the brass handle. These bayonets were originally intended for shipment to the Brazilian Navy, but most saw use in the American Civil War.

Good, bright metal finish with some scattered pitting, wear, and faint markings. Stock is also good, with a crack in the forearm underneath and ahead of the ramming lever, a 6 inch repaired bottom section of the stock, and faint cartouches. Bayonet with dark scattered pitting, chips on the blade, and absent locking catch and spring. Mechanically excellent.