November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Extremely rare and fine Colt Laidley prototype rolling block rifle, serial number 30. 1 of only approximately 50 made in 1867 under Laidley's patent by Colt for submission to the Russian government for testing, which ended up being the basis for the Whitney-Laidley Rifle. 36" round barrel chambered in .50 Centerfire with military-style ladder rear sight graduated to 800 yards and blade front sight. Matching serial numbers observed on bottom of barrel, front of receiver below woodline, forearm receiver stud, and rear of hammer inside of action. 2-piece plain walnut stock and forearm in 2 barrel band configuration reminiscent of Civil War-era Springfield rifle-muskets with full length serrated cleaning rod, and "US" marked military-style buttplate. CONDITION: Excellent plus, retaining almost all of its original National Armory Bright finish on barrel, barrel bands, and buttplate with the exception of scattered light handling and storage marks. Action retains almost all of the original color case hardening with bright colors throughout. Stock and forearm are in matching condition with one light chip near front barrel band on left side and one light chip on right side about halfway down the barrel and light handling marks throughout consistent with long term storage. Action is crisp. Bore is bright and shiny with sharp rifling and light abrasion toward muzzle. Overall an exciting opportunity to own an extremely rare military test rifle. TON