Page 128 - Auction84-Book1

Collector’s Fact
Only around 1,000 of the “First Model” revolving rifles and carbines were manufactured in 1856-1859 in several barrel lengths. Out of the roughly 1,000 units this is one of only 200 with a 30 inch barrel.
LOT 258
Scarce Colt Model 1855 First Model Sporting Percussion Revolving Rifle - Serial no. 618, 36 cal., 30 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish,
walnut stock. Only around 1,000 of the “First Model” revolving rifles and carbines were manufactured in 1856-1859 in several barrel lengths.
Out of the roughly 1,000 units this is one of only 200 with a 30 inch barrel. The design is essentially an upsized version of the Model 1855 “Root”
revolvers. These are historically significant as the first long guns manufactured at Colt’s Hartford factory. They are easily identified by the oilers mounted
on the left side of the frames. A cleaning rod is also mounted on the left side. This rifle has a dovetailed blade front sight, “{COLT’S PT./1856}” and “{ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD, CT.
U.S.A.}” on top of the barrel at the breech with a period added notch rear sight mounted over the Hartford address marking, adjustable notch rear sight on the top strap, bordered knurling on the
hammer, double spur trigger guard, smooth buttstock with rifle buttplate, and the matching serial number on the barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard and trigger guard.
CONDITION: Fair, with a smooth dark patina mixed with the frame and cylinder having flash type pitting. The stock is very good with minor-moderate dings and scratches. Mechanically needs work as cylinder does not always rotate when action is cycled. As Colt’s first long gun manufactured at Hartford, the Model 1855 First Model Revolving Rifle is a must have for any Colt collector. With only 1,000 made, these rifles are rarely encountered in any condition.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
Collector’s Fact
Colt produced roughly 1,000 sporting rifles in .56 caliber in various barrel lengths.
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LOT 259
Colt Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Rifle - Serial no. 6414, 56 cal., 26 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Colt “New Model” revolving rifles, muskets, carbines, and shotguns were manufactured in a variety of configurations from 1855 to 1864. During this rifle’s period of use the barrel was shortened, the forearm removed and a front sight added. The rifle has the Hartford address stamped on the top strap, patent marking on the left side of the frame, a three leaf rear sight (one standing leaf ), “56 CAL” marked on the brass trigger guard, and the number “59” stamped
on the underside of the barrel and on one of the cylinder flutes. The trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included) is numbered to a different gun. Matching serial numbers are on the barrel, frame and trigger guard.
CONDITION: Fair as modified (see above). The metal surfaces have a mottled brown-gray patina with flash type pitting on the cylinder and frame. The lightly sanded and reoiled stock is fair with a cracked wrist, couple hand marked markings and dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500