Colt VERY RARE. Colt .56 inch Calibre Percussion 5 Shot Matching Numbers, Model 1855 BRITISH CONTRACT Revolving Rifle. Sn 22715 - 22715 Muzzleloader None Rifle

The Colt revolving rifle was patented by Samuel Colt as the Model 1855. The guns were made in various calibres and barrel lengths. This is an exceedingly rare matching numbers Colt revolving rifle in the military calibre .56 inch. The rifle is a Colt Model 1855 with a 5 shot fluted cylinder, fully walnut stocked to 5 inches of the muzzle together with its original iron cleaning rod. The gun bears full London proof and viewing marks to the cylinders and barrel. The walnut forend is held on by 2 screw clamping barrel bands, one of which retains the original front sling swivel. The walnut stock is fitted with an iron butt plate with an integral sliding cover originally holding a cleaning jag. The 31 ¼ inch barrel has 7 groove rifling with a near mint bore with only minor staining from storage near the muzzle. The barrel is round in profile except for a 3 ½ inch octagonal section where it meets the frame. The top of the side hammer frame is stamped COL. COLT HARTFORD CT.U.S.A. The side of the frame is stamped COLTS PATENT NOV 24th 1857 under the cylinder clamping screw. The fluted cylinder is stamped in one of the flutes PATENTED SEPT.10th 1859. The serial number 9369 is stamped into the trigger guard and on the underside of the barrel beneath the fore end. The serial number is also written in black ink in the woodwork in the stock beneath the trigger guard and the forend below the rear part of the barrel (illustrated). The rear sight consists of two leaves dovetailed into the rear of the barrel graduated at 300 and 600 yards. The forend has a brass nose cap which is retained by 2 iron barrel bands, one of which retains its original sling swivel. The rifle has the correct pear shaped steel ramrod. The walnut woodwork is in good condition and the metalwork has a nice patina to the surface. See Colt Firearms (from 1836) by James E. Serven, Colt full Stocked Rifles on pages 343 – 345 and the rearsight on page 335. The price includes UK delivery. As an antique percussion firearm, no licence is required to own in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 22715