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SERIAL NUMBER 74
Collector’s Fact
According to the statistical information in The Book of Colt Firearms, fewer than only 25 Colt Model 1855 .64 Caliber rifles were produced.
One of the Finest Colt Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Military Rifles in .64 Caliber Ever Offered by RIAC
LOT 198
Exceptionally Fine, Incredibly Scarce .64 Caliber Colt Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Military Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. 74, 64 cal., 31 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. R.L. Wilson in “The Book of Colt Firearms” lists the total production of .64 caliber Colt Model 1855 revolving rifles at 25 or less, all of them military rifles, and also indicates that they were numbered within the same range as the .56 caliber rifles. They make up around 1/4 of a percent of the total production of the Model 1855 Military Rifles. The U.S. government purchased over 4,000 of Colt revolving rifles and carbines during the Civil War. Some were issued to the Berdan Sharpshooters. It is possible these large caliber revolving rifles were designed for the U.S. Navy given the Navy’s use of other large caliber rifles like the Plymouth rifles during the era. This rifle has a block/blade front sight, notch and two-leaf rear sight graduated for 100, 300 and 500 yards, “COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” on the top strap, the 1857 patent marking on the left side of the frame, the 1850 patent date on a cylinder flute, “K” on the left side of the trigger guard, “74” on the bottom of the frame and trigger guard, long forend with brass cap and two barrel bands, 5-shot fluted cylinder, cleaning rod compartment in the stock (empty), and leather sling. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a “US” marked socket bayonet with leather scabbard and hanger. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% original blue finish and a few very scattered small patches of light pitting on left and lower frame. 60% of original case colors remain on the hammer and loading lever. The wood is excellent showing some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. As one of 25 or less, this incredibly scarce .64 caliber Colt Model 1855 Revolving Military Rifle will be hard to improve upon. An exceptionally fine example of an exceptionally rare antique Colt longarm. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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