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LOT 1095
Rare and Very Fine Deluxe Colt Model 1855 Percussion Revolving 10 Gauge Shotgun - Serial no. 963, 10 gauge, 30 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. In the mid-19th century, most firearms, especially long guns were single shot or double barrels, but Colt’s revolving firearms allowed you to keep five or more shots ready to go. These powerful
10 gauge shotguns were among the
most powerful firearms available at the time and would have been
excellent coach guns and cavalry shotguns, but only an estimated 600 of these 10 gauge (.75 caliber) large frame shotguns were manufactured c. 1860-1863 in addition to around 500 of the 20 gauge (.60 caliber) small frame versions. They are thus among the rarest Colt percussion firearms and are hard to find in collectible condition like this one which has matching serial numbers on the barrel, forearm
(inside in pencil), bottom of the frame, and toe of the buttplate. The barrel has a small nickel-silver bead front sight and under-rib with the cleaning rod secured in two ferrules and a walnut forearm with brass forend cap. The frame has “COL.
COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” marked in the sight groove on the top strap, a casehardened hammer, and the patent marking on the left. It is fitted with an attractive scroll pattern trigger guard. The cylinder has the patent marking in one of the flutes. The nicely figured buttstock has multi-point checkering and brass rod extensions under the buttplate. CONDITION: Very fine with 70% original blue on the frame, traces of original case colors on the hammer and loading lever, traces of original blue finish and cold blue on the barrel and cylinder, mostly smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, some light oxidation and flash pitting, and general mild overall wear. The highly figured buttstock wood is also fine and has distinct checkering, some nice figure, and mild dings and scratches. The forearm has a coat of added protective varnish. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
LOT 1096
Scarce .36 Caliber Colt Model 1855 Half-Stock Percussion Revolving Sporting Rifle - Serial no. 1432, 36 cal., 27 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, fancy checkered walnut stock. This classic rifle was manufactured c. 1857-1864 and is one of just 400 .36 caliber half and full-stock sporting rifles and one of just 150 with 27 inch barrels per
the data on page 182 of “The Book of
Colt Firearms” by Wilson. The rifle features a .36 caliber, fluted, six-shot cylinder. The
barrel has a dovetailed nickel-silver blade front sight and the hinged rear sight with knurled adjustment knob. The receiver top strap is roll-stamped with the early legend: “{ COLT’s PT./1856}{ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.}” in two lines with a vent hole through the
“6.” One cylinder flute is roll-stamped: “PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850”. The serial number is stamped on the barrel, forearm, frame, cylinder pin, and toe of
the buttplate. The forearm has nickel fittings, and the
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buttstock has a checkered wrist and crescent buttplate (compartment empty). A hickory ramrod with brass tip is included. CONDITION: Very good with 25% plus original blue finish, brown patina on the balance, mild pitting, and moderate overall wear suggesting real period use. The stock is also good and has a coat of glossy varnish, areas of darker coloration, and mild dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. This is both a scarce and interesting Colt percussion variation. Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000