Colt 1854 Russian Contract Rifled Musket

[Marktk36thIL]

Here's an interesting piece that I've had for a couple years. Colt was approached, or approached, Russia to alter some m1816 US muskets to percussion rifles for the Crimean War after the British had so much success with their p1851 Minie Rifles.

 

Colt bought and altered about 20,000 - 25,000, but the War ended before he could get them in Russian hands. Eventually, he sold them to Giuseppe Garibaldi for the Italian Civil War. Some are believed to have made their way back for our own Civil War.

[skypilot6670]

Very nice Mark. Thanks for sharing you collection and knowledge. Mike

[M24 Chaffee]

That is an interesting weapon and background.

 

Frank

[Marktk36thIL]

Tim Prince did a better write-up than I could have hoped for from memory.

 

https://collegehillarsenal.com/colt-russian-contract-rifled-musket-extremely-rare

[kanemono]

Very, very interesting! I have never seen one of these rifles. Thanks for posting.