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Scarce Documented Colt Model 1855 Revolving Full Stock Sporting Rifle Pictured in the Book of Colt F

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,750.00 USD Estimated At:9,500.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Scarce Documented Colt Model 1855 Revolving Full Stock Sporting Rifle Pictured in the Book of Colt F
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Estimate: $9500 - 12000
Manufactured circa 1856-1864. Part of a line of revolver-type long arms which enjoyed some success, but in many ways was ahead of its time. This particular Sporting Rifle is 1 of only 800 44 caliber Sporting Rifles manufactured and 1 of only 50 made in 44 caliber with a 21 inch barrel. This particular rifle is pictured in "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson and Sutherland on page 192, identified by serial number and described. Its described as having a barrel length of exactly 21 1/8 inches in the book, which is the case. 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 frame, trigger guard tang and on the toe of the buttplate. 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. The rifle is fitted with a rare tang mounted peep sight. The rifle was fitted at a later date with the cylinder latch screw on the left side of the frame. All blue finish, iron cleaning rod and mounted with a varnished full length forearm with brass forend, sling swivel on the rear barrel band and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate, with compartment and a sling swivel.
BBL: 21 1/8 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 599
Condition: Fine. The barrel has 60% blue with the balance a smooth brown patina. The cylinder has a brown patina with some minor spotting. The percussion nipples all appear to be original to the rifle and there is minimal flash pitting on the rear edge of the cylindar. The frame retains 40% original bright blue finish mixed with a smooth brown patina. The trigger guard and buttplate have a smooth mottled brown patina. The wood is fine. There is a period applied "1753" scratched upsidedown on the right side of the stock behind the wrist. Almost all of the original varnish remains and overall there are some scattered minor dents and dings. The action needs work, the cylinder does not rotate when the hammer is cocked. The patent date is lightly visible, otherwise the markings are clear.