Product Description
RARE 1 of 100 Civil War COLT Model 1855 REVOLVING SADDLE RING CARBINE .44
.44 Caliber Carbine 21 INCH BARREL
Here we present a Rare Antique Colt Model 1855 Revolving Saddle Ring Carbine, manufactured circa 1855 through 1864 in Hartford, Connecticut. According to The Book of Colt Firearms by R.L. Wilson, this is one of only 100 carbines produced with a 21 inch barrel in .44 caliber.
The Colt Revolving Rifle of 1855, named the “Model 1855” was an effort by Colt to attempt to provide the repeating action of a revolver to a carbine. Carbines were a shortened barrel form of their rifle counterparts and were more suitable for use by second line infantry and mounted troops. The Model 1855 brought these qualities together in a handy design under the widely popular “Colt” brand. The Model 1855 was available in three calibers, those being .36, .44, and .56. It came in four barrel lengths of 15, 18, 21, and 24 inches. The .36 and .44 calibers came with a six shot cylinder, while the .56 caliber had a five shot. This carbine held a distinct advantage over the muskets of the day, being able to reel off 6 shot as compared to the single shot muskets.
The Model 1855 was truly the first glimpse of what would become the long guns used in the “Wild West”. The Model 1855 was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1855, but full-scale use didn’t take place until 1857.
Between 4,435 and 4,712 rifles were purchased by the U.S. government for use during the American Civil War. The large capacity no doubt added the much needed firepower for Federal forces and proved extremely deadly in the hands of a Union soldier. Known actions involving the Model 1855 included the Battle of Chickamauga in September of 1863. There are even noted versions fitted with scopes used by sharpshooters with deadly accuracy.
The success on the battlefield didn’t directly relate to success in the public market for Colt. The revolving rifle’s safety was reevaluated by the U.S. Army to which the decision was made against keeping the weapon in the Army inventory or adding to existing stocks. So, the rifle was dropped from service and most of the remaining inventory was sold off at a very low price. Thus, the legacy of the Model 1855 revolving rifle ended. Its 4,400+ production total, along with its use in the American Civil War, make this carbine a very rare and sought after firearm to obtain today.
The overall condition is good. The action is functional. The bore is in good condition with strong rifling. The stock has a repair at the top of the right wrist and a short, stable split off the top tang. Shows use and remains solid otherwise. A very neat and rare revolving rifle that would have been a great companion to a Colt Dragoon!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 21 inches.
Caliber: .44 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$12,000
#244308