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The data on page 182 of “The Book of
Colt Firearms” by Sutherland and Wilson shows
that there were only a total of 125 .40 caliber sporting
rifles out of a total of 17,200 Model 1855 long guns. These .40
caliber sporting rifles (both half and full-stock) can split into smaller quantities in 18, 21, 24, and 27 inch barrel lengths, and they only note that they are “Also known to have been produced in 31 1/2 [inch] length.” That addition to the data is likely specifically based on this example which is shown on page 189 of the book. They also noted the “rare tang sight” and the included “Brass bullet mold with iron sprue cutter marked Colts Pat; 40 stamped on the right side” in their caption, and, on page 190, they note that the globe front sight seen on this rifle was offered by Colt at additional cost and that the folding tang peep sight and scope were the
lettered in black
paint as follows: “LIEUT
B. E. NEWHALL, Co. K. 8TH
REGT M.V.M.” (Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia). Newspaper wrappings inside the case
date to 1866 and 1877. The 1877 paper is from Danvers, Massachusetts, which was the hometown of Lt. Newhall. The
According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" approximately 125 Colt Model 1855 Revolving Sporting Rifles were produced in .40 caliber.
LOT 168
Outstanding and Extremely Rare Documented Colt Model 1855 Percussion Six-Shot Half-Stock Sporting Rifle Serial Number 34 Featured in “The Book of Colt Firearms” with Shipping Case Marked for Lieutenant Benjamin E. Newhall of the Historic 8th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia - Serial no. 34, 40 cal., 31 3/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Only around 1,000-1,500 Model 1855 Half-Stock Sporting Rifles were manufactured between around 1857 to 1864. These can be further subdivided into examples in .36, .40, .44, .50, and .56 caliber in multiple barrel lengths and with a variety of different features making them a rich field for collectors and also creating some truly scarce variations like this rifle. We only rarely get the opportunity to offer one of these distinctive half-stock sporting rifles in .40 caliber. There are only an estimated 125 made in this caliber, and this rifle certainly ranks far above the all of the others we have offered in terms of condition, rarity, and historical interest. It is truly a special piece of Colt firearms
and American history thanks to its very scarce, if not one-of-a-kind, configuration and period wood case, and it has obviously been extremely well taken care of through the years of its use and ever after.
two rarest sight option on these rifles.
The rifle has a dovetail mounted globe front sight, the three-leaf rear sight (unmarked fixed and 200 and 600 yard folding leaves), adjustable folding tang mounted peep sight with “302” on the ladder and aperture, flat top strap with a vent hole and “COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.,”“PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850” marked in one cylinder flute, “COLT’S PATENT/NOV 24th 1857” on the left side of the frame, “2394” and “34” marked on the bottom of the barrel, “2394” repeated on the back of the forearm, “34” repeated
on the bottom of the frame and trigger guard tang, a telescoping gutter perch and steel cleaning rod fitted below the barrel, German silver cap and wedge escutcheons on the forearm, and crescent rifle butt plate on the smooth, straight wrist stock.
The rifle is accompanied by a case measuring approximately 51 1/2 inches by 8 1/2 inches by 4 inches including the 1 inch cover. The case is constructed of one inch pine and is fitted for the buttstock, hammer, and barrel/cleaning rod tip and has a compartment for the “Stand of Flags” pattern flask which has a sloping charge and suspension rings. On page 169 of “Colt Percussion Accoutrements, 1834-1873,” Rappley notes this flask style was used with .40 caliber Colt Model 1855 rifles. The very scarce .40 caliber mold noted above is also the correct type for one of these scarce rifles. The case cover is attached by large wood screws and is hand
rifle may have been used by Newhall for sharpshooting. Many Civil War sharpshooters brought their own trusted rifles to war, and some bought new rifles on their own for sharpshooting. On page 121 of “A History of the Colt Revolver from 1836-1940” by Haven and Belden, the authors state, “Colt revolving rifles fitted with globe and peep sights...were used by the sharpshooters during the Civil War. In the opinions given by contemporary writers they were surpassed in range and accuracy only by the heavy single-shot muzzle-loading rifles made to be loaded with false muzzle
and bullet starter and fired from a rest.”The rifle, case, wooden cleaning rod, and newspaper wrappings were purchased by the consignor from the Al Kelley Collection. The flask was obtained from Kelley’s collection later but fits the case and was likely originally in it as Kelley is known to have separated some desirable accessories for individual sale.
Copies of service records for Benjamin E. Newhall (1834-1914) are included listing him as a 27 year old clerk from Danvers, Massachusetts, and was commissioned in the U.S. Volunteers on September 13, 1862, at Camp Lander in Wenham, Massachusetts, as beginning active duty as a 2nd lieutenant in Company K of the 8th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
on October 1, 1862. They further note that his federal service in the
unit ended when he was honorably mustered out on August 7, 1863, in Boston, Massachusetts. The 8th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia dates back to the colonial era and provided men during the French & Indian War, American Revolution, War of 1812, and the Mexican-American War. The 8th M.V.M. was one of the four Massachusetts regiments that responded to Abraham Lincoln’s first call for 75,000 troops following the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter, and three of its companies were the first troops to report to Boston. Company K (Allen Guards) was the only company not based in Essex County and was raised to meet the standard 10 companies for a Union regiment. They served in 90 day terms. During their first term, they served in garrison duty around the capital, including at the U.S. Naval Academy where the defended the famous USS Constitution. Company K was also sent to reinforce Union troops at the historic Fort McHenry. Their second term began in September of 1862.
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