Colt Revolving Carbine in .56 caliber with 21" barrel length. In the reference "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 and 2300 carbines were manufactured with 21 inch barrel lengths. This rare example is of .56 caliber, fluted cylinder of five shot capacity with a 21 inch barrel length. Correct graduated folding leaf sights of 100, 300 and 600 yard range. Marked on frame topstrap COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. This example exhibits the rare Colt Patent date, on left side of frame behind recoil shield, COLTS PATENT {On Curve} Nov 24th 1857. Marked on cylinder flute PATENTED Sept. 10th 1850. 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 13th Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, were partially armed with the Colt Revolving Rifles and Carbines, as were the 8th Virginia and 11th Mississippi Infantry.    CS Acquisitions Museum