Rare Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbine in .44 caliber with 18" barrel length. Referenced in "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson, the total production of 3000 carbines were manufactured in .56 caliber, with 18" and 21" barrel lengths. A quantity of 700 carbines were manufactured with the barrel length of 18 inches. A rare example of .44 caliber, fluted cylinder of six shot capacity, with 18" barrel, serial number #1155. Correct graduated folding leaf sights of 100, 200 and 300 yard range.This example has seen service, with partial COLT'S PT / 1856 ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. address visible. The wood in very good original "in the black" condition, with all original metal parts inspector stamped with letter P. History records, "Sales of Colt Revolving Carbines were good in the South, and as many Colt revolving  carbines saw service with the Confederacy as were used by Union regular service, Militia or Volunteer Units." In the following fiscal year ending June 30th, 1859, one Hundred-twenty Colt Revolving Rifles and Carbines were transferred to the state of North Carolina, fifty to Alabama, ten to Louisiana, one Hundred to Virginia. When the Confederate Government seized the U.S. Arsenal at Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1861, seventy-three Colt Revolving Rifles and Carbines were in storage at the Arsenal. During the war, the 1st Virginia, 3rd Texas, and the 13th Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, were partially armed with the Colt Revolving Rifles and Carbines, as were the 8th Virginia and the 11th Mississippi Infantry.                    CS Acquisitions Museum