Make: Colt

Model: 1855 Revolving Carbine

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1857-1864

Caliber: .56

Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolving Rifle

Serial Number: 10106

Barrel Length: 21", Round

Sights: The front sight is a brass blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight has a fixed 100-yard "V"-notch with two folding leaves, 300-yard and 600-yard, each with a "V"-notch in a base dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The buttplate is serial-matching. There are a few small cracks in the wrist with one more notable extending down and forward from the rear of the top tang. There is a very small loss at the right-rear near the toe. There are some nicks, scuffs and light scratches. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear at the heel and toe with some scattered minor oxidation. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match on the barrel, guard, frame and buttplate. We have not fully disassembled the rifle to inspect for additional markings.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are some scattered patches of erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 8/10.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 40% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is in protected areas and around raised features. Other areas have scattered finish mixed with areas of wear gone to a light patina. There are some patches of surface erosion, most notable on the left of the barrel over the loading lever. There are scattered nicks and scratches. There are tool marks at the wedge and some screws. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box / Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1855 Revolving Rifle was a fascinating arm which was introduced only a few years before the American Civil War broke out. The gun had an action similar to the revolvers that made his company famous, but it was constructed in carbine, rifle and musket variants. In 1857 a small number of these guns were in service with the military (approximately 100), but when the Civil War broke out in 1861 orders for these unorthodox rifles started to roll in and many were commercially acquired by various formations (a common practice at the time). Thousands of these guns would ultimately see service, both sides used the gun but more were supplied to the Union. Afterall, Samuel Colt’s company was situated well above the Mason-Dixon Line, in Connecticut, and Colt was a commissioned officer in the Connecticut State Militia. The gun was used from the opening months of the conflict until the war ended in 1865, it was considered an effective arm by most of its users but the advent of breech-loaded firearms made it largely obsolete by the end of the conflict.

There are a number of different Colt Model 1855 Revolving Rifles that were made. This particular specimen is a .56 caliber carbine with a 21” barrel, a 5-round fluted cylinder, no forend, and a buttstock with a crescent buttplate. The gun is in impressive condition given its age, retaining original finish and strong mechanics. It is also interesting as it has British proof marks, indicating that it has made its way across the pond and back during its life. This is a wonderful example of a scarce Colt Revolving Carbine and will be a great addition to any collection. Good luck on your bid!