She took part in the French conquest of Tunisia, notably shelling and landing troops in Sfax on 15–16 July 1881.

The Colbert-class ships were designed by Constructor Sabattier as improved versions of the ironclad Richelieu.

[2] Colbert reverted to a single propeller shaft to improve her sailing qualities.

She had one Wolf 3-cylinder horizontal return connecting rod compound steam engine.

[2] On sea trials the engine produced 4,652 indicated horsepower (3,469 kW) and Colbert reached 14.75 knots (27.32 km/h; 16.97 mph).

[1] Colbert was ship rigged with three masts and had a sail area around 2,100 square meters (23,000 sq ft).

The side of the upper deck were cut away to improve the ability of the barbette guns to bear fore and aft.

Colbert bombarded the Tunisian port of Sfax on 15–16 July 1881 as the French occupied Tunisia.

[10] In May 1887, Colbert took part in exercises to practice convoy escort; the French Army kept significant forces in French North Africa, and these units would have to be transported back to Europe in the event of a major conflict.