An estimated total of only 1,100 were manufactured in the Hartford factory circa 1860 to 1863. They were serial numbered in their own range from 1 to 1100.

The ten gauge barrel address on the topstrap reads “COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. On twenty gauge guns the standard barrel address on the topstrap reads “COLTS PT./I856 and ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. Also known to have been produced in sixteen gauge.

The ten gauge can be found with a small oval trigger-guard, large frame size and plain walnut butt stock or with large scroll type trigger-guard, large frame size and checkered walnut butt stock. The twenty gauge can be found with a small oval trigger-guard, small frame size and plain walnut butt stock or with large scroll type trigger-guard, small frame size and checkered walnut butt stock.

The Revolving Shotgun has a five shot fluted cylinder, and round smoothbore barrel with semi-octagonal breech. It came in barrel lengths of 27, 30, 33 and 36 inches.

Metal parts were blued with the hammer and lever case-colored and either oil-stained or varnished walnut stocks with or without checkering. Some barrels will have been browned.

The identification of this model is easier than other Colt Model 1855 Revolving rifles and carbines for the following reasons: They are numbered in their own serial range, they have smoothbore barrels, they have 60 or 75 cal stamped on the trigger-guard though not on scroll guard arms, they have shotgun style butt-plates and they do not have rear sights.

Philip Boulton of Southampton, England has collated and recorded a survival rate of at least 6.45% of the original production of the Colt Model 1855 Revolving Shotgun. For in-depth reference on Colt Model 1855 Root Revolving rifles, carbines and shotguns see ‘The Book of Colt Firearms- 3rd Edition’ by R.L. Wilson or ‘Colt Rifles & Muskets from 1847 to 1870’ by Herbert G. Houze. For values, check out ‘Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms… and their values’ by Norm Flayderman.