Make: Colt

Model: 1855, Revolving Rifle

Serial Number: 132

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1856-1864

Caliber: .44 Caliber

Action Type: Percussion Single-Action Revolving Rifle with Fluted 6-chamber Cylinder

Barrel Length: 31 5/16"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a german-silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight has one fixed and two taller folding "V"-notch leaves, dovetailed to the barrel in front of the frame. The folding leaves are marked for 300 and 600 yards.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb and iron carbine-style buttplate. The stock has some scattered light nicks and scratches. There are some areas of stubborn residue. There are some minor losses around edges. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 145/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has generally strong new blue finish with light wear and infrequent oxidation. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished. The only visible serial markings are on the receiver and trigger guard, matching. The barrel is not original to the gun.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion and infrequent pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6-7/10.

Overall Condition: The gun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with some scattered light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. There is some scattered light erosion under the finish with more notable erosion around the nipples on the rear of the cylinder. There is stubborn adhesive residue on the bottom of the barrel around the loading lever stud. The trigger guard has a plum hue, darker around the front mounting screw where the guard was broken and re-welded. The sling swivel is missing from the guard. The barrel rotates freely in the frame. The action shows operational wear. The screwheads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to removed completely. Overall, the gun is in Fair condition as refinished Antique (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and 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. Thousands would ultimately see service, both sides used the gun but more were supplied to the Union. After all, Samuel Colt's company was situated well above the Mason-Dixon Line in Connecticut, and Colt was a commissioned officer in the 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 .44 caliber military rifle with a 31 5/16" barrel from a full-stock Sporting Rifle, a 6-round fluted cylinder and bears the "COLT'S / PATENT / U.S." marking on the top tang typical of government purchased rifles. The gun is showing its age. The action doesn't function correctly, the forend is missing, the buttstock appears to be a replacement, and the barrel rotates freely in the frame. Still, it is a neat example of a scarce Colt Revolving Rifle and may well have seen use in the most destructive conflict on American soil. This is a great option for historical collectors and would be a good candidate for restoraiton. Good luck on your bid!