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LOT 1194
Stunning Cased Special Order Nickel Plated Colt Model 1855 “Root” Sidehammer Percussion Revolver
- Serial no. 29600, 28 cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. These “New Model Pocket Pistols” were patented by Samuel Colt and are the sole Colt percussion handguns manufactured with solid frames with top straps over the cylinders. They have been nicknamed “Root Revolvers” by collectors after Colt’s superintendent: Elisha K. Root. They
were manufactured between 1855 and around 1870. The .28 caliber version was dropped in 1861, the year this revolver was manufactured, as the .31 caliber version took its place. This particular revolver is a scarce special order nickel plated late Model 3 variation, and it remains in exceptional condition. Nickel plating is rarely seen on the Model 1855 revolvers and is particularly desirable. We have noted a few examples from 1861.
It has a post front sight, “+COLT’S PT./1855.” and “+ADDRESS COL.
COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.+” on top of the octagon barrel, fluted
cylinder with “PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850” marked in one flute, and
a varnished walnut grip. The case contains a cartridge pack, balls,
bullets, Eley Bros. cap tin, small double sided eagle powder flask,
L-shaped combination tool, and blued Colt patent bullet mold.
CONDITION: Excellent with 98% plus original nickel plating, nearly all of the original varnish on the grip, and minimal age and storage related wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine and have minor storage wear including some fading of the blue on the otherwise excellent mold. This revolver is easily one of the finest nickel plated Colt Model 1855s extant today and would be nearly impossible to improve on.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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