Colt 1877 Bulldog Gatling Gun

The 1877 Bulldog was one of the first regular production models to have its barrels and breech section fully enclosed giving the gun the appearance of a small cannon. This iconic form makes these Gatling Guns desirable and collectible. Top of breech with circular cast bronze plaque embossed with "Gatling's Battery Gun" and with four patent dates. Serial no. 207 appears on the top of the right trunnion. The Model 1877 designation appears in several locations including the rear of the casement and on each of the five bolt/firing mechanisms. Each bolt finished in bright steel and marked with the number 1 to 5, individually on top. Each bolt also has on its top the number 6 and the inspector's letter N. The trunnions and front sight are integral with brass casement. The steel rear sight is adjustable for elevation, and is marked on the back for sight intervals in yards, from 200 on up to 1000. The top of the brass cascabel plate a t rear of the bronze barrel encasement is stamped "N/Model/1877." The letter "N" appears on the end of each trunnion, as well as on the cascabel plate's circular breech bolt cover. The brass plate on back of the Bruce gravity feed magazine stamped "U.S. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY JUNE 1886/Patented Sep. 20 1881 & OCT. 3 1882." The gun is mounted on a standard configuration wooden field carriage with 44-inch diameter wheels on a 35-inch axle. Most Model 1877 Bulldog Gatling Guns were mounted on tripods. A small number were fitted to small artillery carriages not unlike this example. All lumber with a fine, thick coat of white paint. No arsenal marks observed. The rarity of number 207 is due to its being a documented U.S. Army purchase and a limited production gun. Part of the appeal of this model is its ease of storage They are almost never seen on the market.