Guns International #: 102920112
Seller's Inventory #: 240000

Category - Colt Rifles - Antique - Civil War Rifles

Category
Colt Rifles - Antique
Civil War Rifles

RARE Civil War COLT M1855 .56 Percussion “Root” Sidehammer REVOLVING RIFLE Revolving Rifle in .56 Caliber w/ 5-Shot Cylinder

Description:
RARE Civil War COLT M1855 .56 Percussion “Root” Sidehammer REVOLVING RIFLE

Revolving Rifle in .56 Caliber w/ 5-Shot Cylinder

Here we present an antique Colt Model 1855 Revolving Rifle, manufactured during its production run between 1855-64 in Hartford, Connecticut. Most of us have seen a Colt “Sidehammer” revolver, but few have had the pleasure of seeing one of these revolving carbines and rifles. These sidehammers also go by the nickname “Root” thanks to the involvement of Elisha K. Root, who was instrumental in the early success of Colt Manufacturing.
The Colt Revolving Rifle of 1855, named the “Model 1855”, was an effort by Colt to provide the repeating action of a revolver in a rifle and carbine format. The Model 1855 was available in three calibers, those being .36, .44, and .56. 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 multiple shots in a matter of seconds 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, due to the possibility of chain-firing. After firing off a round, hot gas was generated in and around the cylinder that settled in different parts of the chamber. This would result in a “cook-off”, where the remaining unfired rounds would ignite. This would result in injury to the support arm of the man firing the carbine or anyone unlucky enough to be near the front section of the gun.

The U.S. government had purchased 765 Colt revolving carbines and rifles prior to the Civil War. Many of these were shipped to southern locations and ended up being used by the Confederacy. After the war began, the Union purchased many more rifles and carbines. Sources disagree over the exact number purchased, but approximately 4,400 to 4,800 were purchased in total over the length of the war. The large capacity no doubt added to the much-needed firepower for Federal forces and proved extremely deadly in the hands of a Union soldier. Known actions involving the Model 1855 include the Battle of Chickamauga in September of 1863. There are even noted versions fitted with scopes used by sharpshooters. 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 very good. Weathered gray patina. The action is strong, indexes well and locks up the cylinder. The bore is patinated with strong rifling. The stock has a repair on either side of the wrist and remains solid otherwise. Serial number 1616.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 24 inches.

Caliber: .56 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$8250

#240000
 

Price: $8,250.00                     Buy Now

Antique: Yes