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According to "The Book of Colt Firearms", only 300 Colt 1855 First Model Revolving rifles with 27 inch barrels were produced.
LOT 3107
Fine Colt First Model 1855
Hartford Percussion Revolving
Sporting Rifle - Serial no. 377, 36 cal., 27 inch part octagon
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Only 1,000 First Model
1855 Sporting Rifles were manufactured per the chart on page 182 of “The Book
of Colt Firearms” by Wilson. Of those, he lists 300 with 27 inch barrels like this rifle. This design was
patented by Colt on March 3, 1857, but they were already in production in 1856. This rifle features a blade front sight, the two-line patent and Colt Hartford address marking on top of the octagonal breech section of the barrel, a notch and
folding ladder rear sight, the distinctive patented oiler and cleaning rod on the left side, the deer and hunter roll-scene and “COLT’S PATENT/SPORTING RIFLE” marking on the cylinder, the double
spur trigger guard, and a nicely figured rifle buttstock. Matching serial numbers located on the barrel, wedge, cylinder, frame, trigger guard tang, and buttplate. A circular collection tag stamped “0172” is hanging from the trigger guard.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus original blue finish with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, scattered light to moderate freckling, strong patterns of case colors visible on the loading lever and hammer, and sharp markings, cylinder scene and edges in the metal overall. The stock is also fine with scattered light surface flaking and handling marks, a small chip at the right rear of the upper tang, and defined edges overall. Mechanically excellent. This is an attractive example of a desirable Colt First Model
1855 Hartford Revolving Rifle! Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
According to "The Book of Colt Firearms",
LOT 3108
Fine Colt Model 1855
Revolving Full Stock .44 Caliber Sporting Rifle
with Scarce 21 Inch Barrel - Serial no. 396, 44 cal., 21 inch part
octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured circa 1856-1864. The
Model 1855 was part of a line of revolver-type long arms which enjoyed some success,
and in many ways was ahead of its time. According to the production numbers on page 182 of “The
Book of Colt Firearms” by Wilson and Sutherlan, approximately 800 total Model 1855 Sporting Rifles were manufactured in .44 caliber, and of those
only 50 Colt Model 1855 Revolving rifles were produced in this configuration.
only 50 were made in .44 caliber with a 21 inch barrel, as seen on this example. The top strap is marked “{COLT’S PT./1856}” and “{ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.}”. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel, inside of the forearm channel, frame, rear of
the cylinder, cylinder retaining pin, trigger guard tang, on the toe of the buttplate, and handwritten in black ink inside the lower tang mortise of the buttstock. The brass blade is missing from the front sight, the dovetailed
base remains, the rear sight is the correct three-leaf folding variation with 100, 300 and 600 yards graduations. All blue finish, iron cleaning rod and mounted with a varnished full length forearm with brass end cap, sling swivel on the rear barrel band and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate, with compartment and a sling swivel. A
circular collection tag stamped “0184” is hanging from the trigger guard.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina and freckling on the balance, some light flash pitting around
the percussion nipples, and defined markings and edges in the metal overall. The front barrel band is loose. The wood is also fine with scattered
scratches and dents, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000 103