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LOT 202
Cased Colt London Model 1855 “Root” Percussion Sidehammer Pocket Revolver - Serial no. 12271,
31 cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Samuel Colt’s “New Model” pocket pistols and the larger rifles, carbines, and shotguns of
the same basic design were the only solid frame percussion arms produced by Colt. This example
is a Model 7A variation manufactured in 1868 and was sent to Colt’s London Agency as shown by the two-line “ADDRESS COL. COLT/LONDON” marking on the barrel, “L” on the butt below the serial number, the London proof marks on the barrel and cylinder, and the London Agency addressed direction label inside the case lid. The two-stage round barrel also has a brass bead front sight and the matching serial number on the underside. The five-shot cylinder has the stagecoach scene and matching serial number. The right side of the grip is stamped “219”. The oak case contains an Eley Bros. cap tin, blued L-shaped combination tool, blued ball/bullet mold marked “31 PKT” on the right, James Dixon & Sons oiler, and James Dixon & Sons “COLTS POCKET FLASK”.
CONDITION: Very good with 30% original blue on the barrel which has a series of scratches from the barrel being turned, traces of original blue in the protected areas of the frame, vibrant original case colors on the hammer, dark case colors on the lever, and generally mild wear including some flash pitting. The grip is also fine and has 90% plus of the original varnish finish remaining, minor edge wear, and a few scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. The refinished case exterior is very good, and the lining and label are fine. The accessories are fine with minor age and storage related wear.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
208
LOT 203
Extremely Rare “Colt’s Pioneer to Civilization and Christianity” Presentation Book Case with Relief Gutta Percha Cover for a Colt Model 1855 “Root” Revolver - Manufactured c. the mid-1800s, this is
an incredibly scarce and desirable example of an intriguing gun case offered by Colt. These cases were intended to appear to be a book while concealing
one of Colt’s smaller revolver designs along with its accessories inside. A similar case for a Model 1849 pocket revolver is pictured on p. 81 of “Colt Single Action: From Patersons to Peacemakers” by Dennis Adler. The book states that these cases were available in a few varieties, including the title of this “book”
and the one pictured, as well as “Colt Bible, Law for Selfdefence” and “Colt on the Constitution, Higher Law and Irrepressible Conflict”. The example pictured has
a leather wrapped cover/lid that matches the spine of the book, while the example offered here has a gutta percha-like lid that has a relief scene representing
Christopher Columbus landing in the Americas and relief floral motifs around the border. The spine and back are leather wrapped, and the spine is marked “COLT’S/PIONEER.” and “TO/CIVILIZATION/AND/ CHRISTIANITY”, both in gilt text. The edges of the case imitating the page ends are also gilt finished. The interior of this case appears to be fitted for a Colt Model 1855 “Root” revolver, a powder flask, two cap tins, and a tool. Cases such as these would have been ideal for keeping a small revolver close at hand while remaining inconspicuous, such as on top of a desk or on an accessible book shelf.
CONDITION: The gutta percha lid is very fine with
only the slightest handling/storage marks. The leather wrapped portions are good showing significant wear and cracking with some absent pieces and most of the gilt finish remaining on the “pages”. This would be an incredible piece to house a Colt Model 1855 revolver and its accessories for display in your collection! Estimate: 7,500 - 15,000