Colt only manufactured approximately 1,100 revolving shotguns split between 10 and 20 gauge between 1860 and 1863 and was part of a series of Model 1855 long guns manufactured by Colt that today are highly sought after. Examples of this limited production shotgun are scarce in any condition, thus making high condition examples, like this one, nearly impossible to find. These arms were also known as the Colt New Model Revolving Shotguns and are in basic design an enlarged version of the Colt Model 1855 Pocket revolvers. This 10 gauge shotgun is a deluxe example with a highly figured and checkered straight grip stock. The extremely rare 36 inch barrel has a brass bead front sight. The frame is stamped "COLT'S PATENT/+/Nov. 24th 1857" on the left side. "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." is stamped in the top strap groove. One of the cylinder flutes is stamped "PATENTED SEPT. 10TH 1850." The trigger guard is the correct large scroll type. As stated, the buttstock is checkered (checkered wrists were standard on .75 caliber/10 gauge shotguns). The buttplate and trigger guard are numbered to the gun. The smooth forearm is fitted with a brass cap and nickel silver wedge escutcheons. A brass tipped cleaning rod is included.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 70% original brown finish. The frame and cylinder retain 85% bright original high polish blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. Hints of original blue remain on the buttplate and trigger guard. 75% of the original case colors remain on the hammer. The wood is very fine with some minor dings and scratches and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically needs work as cylinder does not consistently rotate when cocked. An exceptionally fine example of a rare Colt Deluxe Model 1855 Revolving Shotgun that is a must have for the serious Colt collector. One will likely have to wait a long time before another exceptional original condition 10 gauge example comes available.