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LOT 3211
Cased Factory
Engraved Colt Model 1855 “Root”
Sidehammer Percussion Pocket Revolver - Serial no. 14130,
28 cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, antique ivory grips. Colt
called this model his “New Model Pocket Revolving Pistol.” This Colt
“Root” revolver was manufactured in 1856 and is the “Model 2” variant
(serial numbers 476-25000) with the 3 1/2 inch octagon barrel, Hartford
barrel address with point hand motif, and cabin and Indian fight cylinder scene and “COLT’S
PATENT” marking. Matching serial numbers are visible on the butt, cylinder, and bottom of
the barrel. The revolver features beautiful German-American scroll engraving with beaded
backgrounds on the breech section of the barrel, flats of the loading lever, frame, and
hammer. The hammer also has a fish scale design, bordered knurling, and a “V” with
seven dots. A very similarly engraved Colt Model 1855 Pocket is attributed to Herman
Bodenstein on pages 24-25 of “Colt Factory Engravers of the 19th Century” by Herbert
Houze who notes that Bodenstein was working in Hartford in early 1855 prior to moving temporarily to Milwaukee. He
later became Colt’s primary engraving contractor after Gustave Young left to Germany in 1858. The revolver is fitted in
a partitioned case containing lead balls and bullets, Eley Brothers cap tin, case key, brass cap dispenser, double sided
eagle powder flask, and .28 caliber ball/bullet mold with sprue cutter marked “COLT’S/PATENT.”
CONDITION: Very good, retaining 30% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The cylinder has
flash pitting and retains much of the scene. The age shrunken grips are fine with a few typical age lines and highly
attractive color and grain. Cylinder pin does not lock, otherwise action cycles properly. The relined case is fine with
repaired lid, handing/storage marks on the exterior and some typical high spot wear on the lining.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3210
Cased Colt Model
1848 Baby Dragoon
Percussion Revolver - Serial
no. 12656, 31 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut
grips. This fine Colt Model 1848 Baby
Dragoon was manufactured in 1850. Less
than 15,000 of this model were produced c.
1847-1850 before production transitioned to the Colt Model 1849 Pocket.
These Baby Dragoons were the smaller counterparts of the massive Dragoon
revolvers in .44 caliber. They were popular with ‘49ers and others traveling
to the West since they offered multi-shot protection in a small package.
The distinctive 4 inch octagon blued barrel is designed without a loading
lever and features a small German silver cone front sight and the two-line
“-ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW-YORK CITY-” address on top. The left side of
the casehardened frame has the small “COLTS/PATENT” marking. The blued cylinder is marked “COLTS
PATENT/No 12656” with the Texas Rangers and Comanche Indian fight scene and rectangular cylinder
stops. The silver plated brass grip frame has a squareback trigger guard marked with a “K” below the
serial number and “T” on the right shoulder. All matching full and partial serial numbers visible on the
barrel, frame, trigger guard, wedge, cylinder pin, cylinder, and butt. The revolver comes in a custom
hardwood case with felt lined interior containing a reproduction small eagle pattern pocket flask,
packet of five .31 caliber cartridges, Eley’s cap tin, lead balls and bullets, blue finished iron ball/bullet
mold, and a brass loading tool.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% original blue finish on the barrel with smooth brown and gray patina
on the balance, scattered dings visible on the right around the wedge, smooth gray patina on the frame and cylinder with crisp scene, and 85% original silver plating on the grip frame. Grip is very fine with some scattered light
scratches, and minor finish wear spots along the otherwise defined bottom edges. Mechanically fine. Case is very good as relined to fit with some light wear visible on the interior.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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