Page 130 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 262
Fine Colt Model 1855
Side Hammer Percussion Revolving Carbine - Serial no.
1015, 44 cal., 18 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock.
This is a nice example of one of only 1,100 Model 1855 carbines manufactured in .44 caliber
with 18 inch barrels in 1856-1864. The carbines in general are about twice as rare as the military
rifles with only 4,435 total carbines manufactured compared to 9,310 military rifles. Though they had issues such as
gas leak at the breech, the Colt “New Model Revolving Rifles and Carbines” were among the best repeating long guns
available during the Civil War and are known to have been used by men on both sides. This carbine features a German
silver blade front sight, notch rear sight with folding 300 and 600 yard folding leaves, “{COLT’S PT./1856}” and “{ADDRESS
COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.}” on the top strap, the 1850 patent in one cylinder flute, sling swivels on the bottom of the frame
and buttstock, and matching serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel and the upper and lower tangs.
CONDITION: Fine with 50% plus bright original high polish blue finish, 30% original case colors on the loading lever, mix of light brown and gray patina on the balance, minor oxidation/pitting, and general mild wear including some scratches and marks. The stock is very fine and retains most of the original varnish which is flaking on the butt and has light scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 13,000 - 19,000
LOT 263
Colt Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Military Pattern Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - Serial no. 209, 56 cal., 31 3/16 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, 800 of the Colt Model 1855 rifle-muskets were manufactured in .56 caliber with 31 3/16 barrels out of
9,310 military rifles manufactured in 1856-1864. It has a front sight that also acts as a bayonet lug, two barrel bands, three leaf rear sight graduated for 100, 300 and 600 yards, sling swivels on the rear band and buttstock holding a black leather sling, unmarked top strap groove, “COLT’S/PATENT” (faint) marked upper tang, matching visible serial numbers on the underside of the frame, lower tang and buttplate, and smooth stock and forearm with cleaning rod under the barrel. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet, leather scabbard with frog, leather sling, and cleaning rod in the butt compartment.
CONDITION: Very good with the barrel having turned to a smooth brown patina with some light muzzle wear from socket bayonet mounting, traces of original blue finish on the sides of the frame and in protected areas, moderate pitting on the dinged up cylinder, scattered light pitting on the frame, and general mild scratches and dings on the metal surfaces. Wood is also very good with scattered light scratches and dents, a crack on the side of the cleaning rod channel, an absent section to the left of the loading lever, a small hairline crack behind the left of the upper tang, and a few mild chips on the underside of the buttstock. Mechanically functions fine. The loading lever is stuck. Included bayonet is very good with defined edges and some scattered light pitting. Leather scabbard is fair with age related cracking and some absent stitching. Sling is very good. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
Collector’s Fact
According to The Book of Colt Firearms, only 1,100 Colt Model 1855 carbines were produced in this configuration.
Collector’s Fact
According to The Book of Colt Firearms, only 800 Colt Model 1855 Revolving Rifle-Muskets were produced in this configuration.
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