This is likely the first time three extremely rare Colt 1854 Russian Contract rifled-muskets have been assembled together since the Civil War. Two are model 1816 muskets, but the third is a must model 1815. These muskets are missing from some of the most advanced musket collections, so it's an absolute privilege to have enough to stack arms.
Originally contracted by Russia to compete against the British p1851 Minie Rifles creating havoc on Russian soldiers, Samual Colt was asked to deliver 25,000 rifled muskets. He bought surplus m1815 and m1816 muskets and rifled them, converted to percussion with a "Colt's Patent" bolster, and then added a Russian style rear sight. The Crimean War ended before delivery could occur, and Colt was left finding a new buyer for these arms.
In comes Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Italian War of Independence. It's believed that all these arms made it to Italy, or at least a majority before their final destination becomes murky.
Some evidence suggests that these were bought by some Rhode Island militia companies, but there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting Southern use. But for all intent and purpose, these things just vanished during the scrap drives of two World Wars, use, and attrition.
Estimated production to be around 25,000 with about 15 remaining survivors according to Dr. Madaus- one sold by Tim Prince two years ago that originally popped up at Cowan's auction house before, 3 in museums, two privately owned, one sold by the Horse Soldier that belonged to a 21st VA Inf soldier, and now this one.
One recently sold at Rock Island Auction from the George Moller collection for 4k. However it had glaring construction issues that did not fit in well with known examples.
Originally contracted by Russia to compete against the British p1851 Minie Rifles creating havoc on Russian soldiers, Samual Colt was asked to deliver 25,000 rifled muskets. He bought surplus m1815 and m1816 muskets and rifled them, converted to percussion with a "Colt's Patent" bolster, and then added a Russian style rear sight. The Crimean War ended before delivery could occur, and Colt was left finding a new buyer for these arms.
In comes Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Italian War of Independence. It's believed that all these arms made it to Italy, or at least a majority before their final destination becomes murky.
Some evidence suggests that these were bought by some Rhode Island militia companies, but there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting Southern use. But for all intent and purpose, these things just vanished during the scrap drives of two World Wars, use, and attrition.
Estimated production to be around 25,000 with about 15 remaining survivors according to Dr. Madaus- one sold by Tim Prince two years ago that originally popped up at Cowan's auction house before, 3 in museums, two privately owned, one sold by the Horse Soldier that belonged to a 21st VA Inf soldier, and now this one.
One recently sold at Rock Island Auction from the George Moller collection for 4k. However it had glaring construction issues that did not fit in well with known examples.
no one will ever know probably
