Lot 1138

Colt First Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Sporting Rifle

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Colt First Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Sporting Rifle

Estimate: $10,000 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $9,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Exceptionally Scarce Colt First Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Sporting Rifle with 18 Inch Barrel While Samuel Colt's revolving handguns remain his most famous firearms, he was dedicated to creating successful revolving rifles; in fact, his first product was the First Model "ring lever" revolving rifle produced in 1837. As his new company flourished in the 1850s, it was only natural that Colt again looked to produce a revolving rifle. However, they never attained the popularity of Colt's revolving handguns, with only around 18,300 produced before production ceased in 1864, and only 1,000 of these First Model rifles and carbines were manufactured c. 1856-1859 per "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson. The book also lists just 200 carbines produced in .36 caliber, just seventy-five .36 caliber .36 caliber sporting rifles, and just fifty 18 inch .36 caliber carbines making this a particularly rare configuration. The part octagonal barrel has a dovetailed blade front sight and "{COLT'S PT./1856}" and "{ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.}" on top at the breech. A cleaning rod is fitted along the left side of the barrel and frame. The frame has an adjustable notch rear sight is fitted on the top strap, an oiler fitted to the left side, and a toothed loading lever. It is equipped with the First Model's distinctive double spur trigger guard. The cylinder has "COLT'S PATENT/SPORTING RIFLE" and the deer hunting roll scene. The matching serial number "534" is marked on the oiler, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and buttplate. The stock is marked with an old "1573" inventory marking on each side of the wrist similar to the ones in the U.S. Cartridge Collection inventory in the late 19th/early 20th century.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1855-Rifle

BBL: 18 inch part octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: .36

Finish: blue

Serial Number534

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine with 60% original blue on the barrel, 50% original blue on the frame, traces of original blue finish mixed with gray and brown patina on the balance, minor flash pitting, a crack in the trigger guard tang, and generally fairly minor overall wear associated with real period use and age. The cylinder scene remains distinct, and the markings are crisp. The stock is very good with an old coat of protective varnish, moderate scrapes and dents, and legible inventory numbers. Mechanically functions. Overall, a very attractive and exceedingly scarce Colt Model 1855 variation.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000