A forerunner to the modern machine gun, the Gatling Gun is one of the most iconic American firearms of the 19th century and is often called a "hand-cranked machine gun." The Gatling Gun platform was first presented to the Union Forces during the American Civil War, but would not be officially adopted by the U.S. Army until 1866. This desirable Model 1895 Gatling Gun is mounted on an iron carriage, features a ten-barrel cluster, and is chambered in it's original rimmed .30 Army (.30-40 Krag) caliber, with the majority of these rechambered for use with the later rimless .30-06. Four ten-barrel Colt Model 1895 Gatling Guns, serial numbers 1040-1043, for example, were famously used at the Battle of San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War under Lt. John H. Parker's Gatling Gun Detachment where Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and the Buffalo Soldiers captured Kettle Hill with the support of the Gatling Guns mounted on this same pattern of carriage. The top of the brass breech cover is hand engraved "GATLING GUN PATENTED/Manufactured by/Colt's Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co./HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A." and "No 1023/Cal. .30/T.C.D./D.M.T." with the last set of initials partly obstructed. Features a notch front sight mounted on the right ahead of an adjustable V-notch rear sight. The right side of the cartridge hopper is engraved with an arrow pointing forward. This Model 1895 utilizes a Bruce feed system (absent magazine). The period barrels are all marked at the breech with numbers "1" through "10", "R.A.C." (Rinaldo A. Carr) inspection initials, and "V/P/eagle head" proofs. Numbers "1" through "10" are also repeated on the rear barrel retainer, which is also marked with assembly number "15B". The period bolts are mixed numbered, with some replacements. "40" marked on the left yoke retainer and "39" marked on the right. "5" marked on the cartridge hopper. Includes a separate caisson with a large box designed to carry extra ammunition. The caisson attaches to the yoke of the carriage by means of the towing hook. Also includes a period tan canvas barrel cover that reads "U.S./GATLING GUN./CAL.30./10 BARREL." in black letters, two tan canvas and leather muzzle covers, some small parts and tools, and various books related to Gatling guns. The Gatling Gun revolutionized warfare, and changed the way wars were fought forever; with the successful use of Model 1895s like this example solidifying the Gatling Gun's legacy.

Very good, with mostly brown patina on the iron surfaces with barrels showing areas of light pitting overall, frame rails show deep pitting with attempted filling near the muzzle end, golden patina on the brass with some dings and scratches, and legible markings. A few small replacement parts and screws visible. Mechanically fine. Carriage is fine, retains 85% green painted finish with some light wear. Caisson is very good, retains 75% green painted finish with some mild wear. This desirable U.S. Colt Model 1895 Gatling with iron carriage and caisson would make an excellent addition to any museum or U.S. military collection!