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LOT 178
Stunning and
Rare Large Frame
10 Gauge Colt Model
1855 Percussion Revolving Shotgun - Serial no. 1065,
10 gauge, 27 inch part octagon bbl., brown/blue finish, deluxe
checkered walnut stock. There were approximately 1,100 Model 1855 shotguns made in total. However,
the .60 caliber revolving shotgun was based on the far more common .56 caliber military rifle frame, while
these 10 gauge shotguns has their own special large frame size really making them their own special model. This frame
is the largest frame size of the Model 1855 Sidehammer Revolving long arm series. Per R.L. Wilson on page 201 of “The Book of Colt
Firearms,” only 600 of these rare large frame 10 gauge (.75 caliber) revolving shotguns were manufactured. Their survival rate is also low, making
these shotguns, especially in high condition like this one, exceedingly scarce. By some estimates, only 50-100 of these shotguns are known today, making
them rarer than the famous Colt Walker and among the rarest of all antique Colts. Like the Model 1855 rifles, these rare shotguns would have seen use in the
American West and Civil War, and Model 1855s also saw use overseas, including by Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. It has a bead front sight, top strap groove
that acts as a rear sight, “COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” marked on the top strap, “PATENTED SEPT 10th 1850” marked in one of the cylinder flutes, “COLT’S
PATENT/Nov. 24th 1857” on the right side of the frame, the serial number on the bottom of the frame, the large scroll trigger guard, short forend with silver
plated brass nose cap and German silver wedge escutcheons, matching numbered cleaning rod, and a checkered buttstock with flat shotgun buttplate
numbered to the gun, two piece cleaning rod sections in the stock compartment, and 14 1/8 inch length of pull.
CONDITION: Excellent with 98% original brown finish on the barrel, 90% plus bright original blue on the frame, vibrant original case colors on the loading
lever and hammer, some flaking of the blue mainly on the trigger guard and buttplate leaving a smooth gray and brown patina, dark aged patina on the
silver, a few minor scratches and dings, and fairly minimal wear overall. The wood is also excellent and has crisp checkering, a few small scrapes and dings,
and some attractive figure. Mechanically excellent. Overall, this is a stunning example of the scarce and powerful Colt Model 1855 10 Gauge Shotgun!
Provenance: The Richard Ellis Collection; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 45,000 - 65,000
According to The Book of Colt Firearms by
Wilson, only 600 Colt Model 1855 Revolving
Shotguns were produced in 10 gauge.