September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Manufactured from 1856 to 1864 with only approximately 130 .50 caliber full-stock rifles produced. Just 35 were fit with 27" barrels like this early example bearing a low 2-digit "46" serial number. Fit with a dovetail blade front sight and 3-position flip-up rear. Polished blued sidehammer frame stamped on the top flat "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." with 5-shot fluted percussion cylinder. Full-length walnut forend mounted with a brass nose cap and a pair of iron barrel bands. Matching plain walnut buttstock with solid steel crescent butt plate. Rifle is complete with a correct gutta percha and steel cleaning rod with a brass head. CONDITION: Very good. Barrel finish has largely drifted a rich plum. Significant traces of original blue present in the protected areas of the receiver, the balance turning to a brown patina with some cleaned oxidation. Lower tang repaired at 2 spots. Forend is fine with some minor abrasions. Left side of the stock has a few bruises and spots of finish loss, with repairs present at the tip of the comb and wrist. Bore is bright, showing sharp rifling throughout with some light abrasions. Fine mechanics. Matching numbers observed on the frame, tang, buttplate, and cylinder pin.
Model
1855 Root Sporting Rifle