40055: Historic and Important Colt-Berdan Conversion of

Historic and Important Colt-Berdan Conversion of Colt 1861 Special Musket. Serial no. 11 [base of breechblock], .58 caliber, 36 1/2-inch barrel [3 barrel bands]. Iron mounts, originally blued finish. Lock marked: 1864 [rear section of lock] and U.S. / COLT'S PT. F A MFG CO. / HARTFORD, CT. B and STEEL stamped to left side of barrel. Steel ramrod. Walnut stock with metal escutcheon to base with the number 7. Note: According to The Book of Colt Firearms by R.L. Wilson, this unique conversion began the famous Colt Berdan relationship in 1866. It also stated, "This is the model shipped to foreign countries, resulting in ultimate Russian contract at the height of the 1866 gun depression. Only specimen known to the authors of this extremely important factory produced model." This gun is pictured in color on page 472 in the same book and in black & white with extra detail on page 476. Interesting to note that the serial number is stamped on bottom of breech block and on the swivel pin attaching the block to the barrel mount. Other features mentioned include; the block held into position by the hammer, and otherwise does not have a latch. The ejection is accomplished by spring-fed toggle which is actuated by the forward motion of the block. The book also calls this gun by serial number as the "rarest of the rare" on page 472. Ex. Robert Q. Sutherland Collection. Condition: Very good for this model as presented and configured. Showing handling wear overall. Wood stock with bumps and bruises from handling and storage. Action crisp. Bright bore. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved