Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
1855 Sidehammer longarms, the serial number is complex, due to the factory practice of numbering by calibers; thus Full and Half Stock rifles and the various Carbines of identical calibers are all together. Standard topstrap marking for 44 caliber arms: COLT’S PT./1856 and ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.Standard for the 56 caliber: COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.Cylinders were fluted, and without roll engraved scenes.
A combination of details enables quick identification of the Military Rifle and Rifled Musket: Full stock forend, aperture for bayonet attachment (either a proper bayonet lug, or front sight machined to accept socket), military sights, and U.S. markings (the latter present on government issued arms). Some confusion is possible between the Military Rifle and the Full Stock Sporting Rifle; when in doubt consult the detailed data in The Book of Colt Firearms. A notable degree of variation exists in these arms, in sights, trigger guards, frames, barrel lengths, calibers, markings, finishes, and bayonets. Specimens in caliber 64 are very rare; they are found with barrel lengths of 31-1/4" in smoothbore and rifled. Serial numbers fall below 100. They both accepted the socket-type bayonets. There is no 50 caliber model believed made in this military rifle. Reportings of this 50 caliber are believed to have been confused with the full stock sporting rifle which resembles it.
Major variations are:
Standard type for angular bayonet, U.S. markings:
5B-078
| 5B-078 | Values—Good $5,500 | Fine $22,500 |
Same as above, without U.S. markings:
| 5B-079 | Values—Good $3,500 | Fine $10,000 |
Standard type for saber bayonet, U.S. markings:
| 5B-080 | Values—Good $5,500 | Fine $22,500 |
Same as above, without U.S. markings:
| 5B-081 | Values—Good $3,250 | Fine $10,000 |
Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbine
Model 1855 Revolving Carbine. Made c. 1856-64; estimated total production 4,435.
36, 44 and 56 calibers. 5-shot cylinder (56 caliber), and 6 shots for the 36 and 44. Barrel lengths of 15", 18", and 21". A 24" variation, the “Artillery Model,” also manufactured. All barrels round in shape with semi-octagonal breech.
Varnished or oil stained walnut stocks (former for civilian sales, latter for military). Metal parts blued; the hammer and lever casehardened.
In common with most of the Model 1855 Sidehammer longarm production, the serial numbering is complex. The factory practice was to number by calibers; thus, Carbines, Full and Half Stock Sporting Rifles, and Military Rifles and Rifled Muskets—of the same caliber—are all numbered together. The company address markings can be confusing. The majority of 36 and 44 caliber Carbines have the topstrap legend: COLT’S PT./1856 ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.The 56 caliber Carbines customarily marked on the topstrap: COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. Cylinders were fluted, and without roll engraved scenes.
Quick identification of most carbines is from the lack of a forend (the only exception noted below), presence of lanyard rings or swivels (on frames and/or stocks), sights usually military type, and the generally short barrel length. The one variation having a forend is the “Artillery Model,” quite rare, and fitted with the saber type bayonet; these were 56 caliber, with 24" barrel, and had two barrel bands on the forend. Very rare are Carbines in 40 and 50 calibers.
Major variations are:
Standard Carbine in 56 caliber, with military quality finish, no forend stock, and 15", 18" and 21" barrels:
5B-082
| 5B-082 | Values—Good $3,250 | Fine $10,000 |
Standard Carbine in 44 caliber, with military quality finish, no forend, and 18" and 21" barrels:
| 5B-083 | Values—Good $3,250 | Fine $9,500 |
Standard Carbine in 36 caliber, with military quality finish, no forend, and 18" and 21" barrels:
| 5B-084 | Values—Good $3,250 | Fine $9,500 |
Artillery Model Carbine, 56 caliber, with 24" barrel and forend, and bayonet lug on muzzle:
5B-085
| 5B-085 | Values—Good $3,500 | Fine $16,500 |
“British Carbine,” 56 caliber, serial range 10000 - 12000. Barrel lengths from 21" to about 30"; usually with British proofmarks and brass trigger guards and buttplates:
| 5B-086 | Values—Good $3,250 | Fine $9,500 |
Colt Model 1855 Revolving Shotgun
Model 1855 Revolving Shotgun. Made c. 1860-63; total of about 1,100.
10 and 20 gauges (75 and 60 calibers respectively). 5-shot cylinders. Standard barrel lengths of 27", 30", 33", and 36" also known, primarily in the 10 gauge production. All barrels round, with semi-octagonal breech.
Varnished walnut stocks. Metal parts blued, with casehardened hammer and lever. Some barrels were finished brown; and some stocks oil stained.
Serial numbered as a separate group from other Model 1855 production, the shotgun range began with 1 and continued through 1100. 10 gauge specimens bore the standard topstrap marking: COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.20 gauge guns standard marked on the topstrap: COLT’S PT./1856 and ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.Cylinders fluted, and thus were not roll engraved.
Shotguns are quickly identified by their smoothbore, the usually present trigger guard marking of 60 or 75 cal. (though not found on the scroll guard arms), the serial numbering under 1100, the shotgun style buttplates, and the lack of rear sights. Ultra-rare are specimens of either gauge having full stock forends.
Major variations are:
10