Page 200 - 4090-BOOK2

According to "The Book of Colt Firearms", only 62 Colt 1855 Artillery Model Carbines were delivered to the U.S. Ordnance Department.
LOT 1265
Rare and Desirable Colt Model 1855 Artillery Percussion Revolving Carbine - Serial no. 1654, 56 cal., 24 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock.
According to page 199 of “The Book of Colt Firearms” by R.L. Wilson, less than 100 of these Colt Model 1855 Artillery model carbines were likely produced in this
configuration, with only 62 known to have been delivered to the U.S. government on October 8th, 1859, which is distinguished by having two barrel bands, a .56 caliber 24 inch barrel with right
mounted saber bayonet lug, a 5-shot fluted cylinder and finish “in the white.” This carbine has a root-type side hammer and a ratchet-type loading lever. Brass blade front sight and folding three-leaf rear sight
graduated for 100, 300 and 600 yards. The rifle has an iron cleaning rod with knurled handle and threaded end fitted in the forearm. “COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” marked on the top strap sight groove. Small “K”
inspector stamp visible on the left side of the trigger guard bow. Matching serial number “1654” marked on the upper receiver tang, trigger guard tang, and on the toe of the buttplate. Disassembly was unable to be performed due to stiff components to be able to view the serial number on the barrel beneath the forearm, inside the forearm channel and on the cylinder and cylinder pin. Walnut forend and buttstock with a rifle buttplate with a sliding trap door containing a brass cleaning rod. Besides the blue finished barrel bands, the remaining metal components are correctly “in the white.”
CONDITION: Good, exhibiting genuine untouched aged brown patina and some scattered peppering overall on the “in the white” iron surfaces, most of the original blue finish remaining on the rear barrel band, and scattered mild dings on the cylinder. The wood is fine with some scattered light scratches and dents. The cylinder pin release button will not move, and the loading lever will not move, otherwise mechanically fine. A genuine “attic fresh” example of a rare U.S. marked Colt Model 1855 Artillery carbine that would make a fine addition to any U.S. martial or Civil War collection!
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 1266
Excellent New Jersey Marked Civil War U.S. Colt Special Model 1861 Contract Percussion Rifle-Musket - NSN, 58
cal., 40 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. An estimated 100,000 Model 1861 rifle- muskets were manufactured by Colt before the end of the Civil War. When you consider
Colt also manufactured over 200,000 revolvers during the war and suffered a factory fire and the fact that many contractors failed to supply a few thousand firearms throughout
the war, this number is incredible. This exceptional example has an “1863” dated lock and barrel,
and was manufactured under contract with the State of New Jersey for their state units, with “N.J” stamped on the left barrel flat at the breech and on the left
stock flat, and has a trumpet head ramrod, standard blade front and three leaf rear sights, “U” marked barrel bands, and “U.S” marked buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent, nearly as issued. The metal surfaces remain their armory bright with some light freckling, and absolutely sharp markings and edges. The rear sight
retains 85% of the original blue finish. The stock is also excellent, with highly attractive original oil finish and raised grains, distinct edges overall, a few minor dings and handling marks, and exceptionally crisp “N.J” stamping. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceptional example of the Colt Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket, and would be difficult to improve upon!
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
198