Page 91 - 86-Book3

LOT 3119
Fine Colt First Model Hartford Percussion Revolving Sporting Rifle - Serial no. 359, 36 cal., 27 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, highly figured walnut stock. Only 1,000 First Model 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 Col on March 3, 1857, but they were already in production in 1856. This rifle features a combination globe and blade front sight,
the two-line patent and 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 PATENT/SPORTING RIFLE” marking on the cylinder, the double spur trigger guard, and a nicely figured rifle buttstock. Matching serial numbers
were located on the barrel, oiler, cylinder, frame, trigger guard tang, and buttplate. CONDITION: Fine with 50% plus original blue finish, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, mild
pitting mainly on the cylinder, and general mild scratches and marks. The revarnished stock is also very fine and has nice
figure and a few shallow dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive example of one of the rare Colt percussion firearms. Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
89
LOT 3118
Very Scarce Small Frame 20 Gauge Colt Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Shotgun - Serial no. 508, 20 gauge, 30 1/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Only an estimated 500 of these 20 gauge (.60 caliber) small frame revolving shotguns were manufactured c. 1860-1863 based on the upscaled Model 1855 Pocket design making this classic shotgun among the rarest
Colt percussion firearms. The round barrel has a nickel-silver bead front
sight, faint evidence of a filled rear dovetail on the breech section, and an under-rib with two pipes
holding the main section of the cleaning rod. The top strap groove has “COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the frame has the patent marking, and the cylinder has no visible markings. The matching serial number is on the barrel, inside of the forearm (pencil), bottom of the frame, and toe of the buttplate. It is mounted with a smooth forearm with German silver forend cap and escutcheon
and a multi-point checkered buttstock with shotgun buttplate and a rod extension inside. CONDITION: Fine with 70% plus original blue remaining on the frame, 75% plus refinished blue on the cylinder and trigger guard, restored case colors on the hammer, mostly a smooth brown patina along the barrel, some minor oxidation and pitting, and general mild overall wear. The wood is also fine and has smooth finish, distinct checkering, some mild dings and scratches, and a few tiny flakes at the edges. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 11,000 - 17,000