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LOT 1197
Excellent Cased Colt Model 1855 6A “Root” Percussion Pocket Revolver with Attractive Relief Carved Dragoon
Portrait Ivory Grip - Serial no. 10986, 31 cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, relief carved ivory grips. This .31 caliber
Model 6A variant of Colt’s Model 1855 “Root” revolver series was manufactured in 1866, with approximately 3,075 of
the 6 and 6A variant revolvers made in the same approximate 8001-11074 serial range, per page 155 of “The Book of
Colt Firearms” (1971 publication) by Sutherland and Wilson. The Model 6A has a 4 1/2 inch barrel length, whereas the
6 variant differs only in that it has a 3 1/2 inch barrel, and both of these models differ from the previous models in that
they now have a cylinder with the Stagecoach Holdup scene. Features an ivory grip with a highly attractive detailed
raised relief carved bust portrait of a dragoon on the left. Two-line New York barrel address, with “31 CAL” marked on
the right side of the frame beneath the hammer. Matching serial number “10986” marked on the barrel and butt, with
“10985” on the cylinder, a likely factory error in being only one digit off. Includes a partitioned rosewood case with
brass corners and blank medallion with velvet interior containing an array of proper accessories, with a “COLTS/PATENT”
marked eagle powder flask, blued two cavity bullet mold marked “31 PKT” on the right and “COLT’S/PATENT” on the
sprue cutter, an “L” shaped combination tool, W. & C. Eley cap tin, key, and lead balls.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel and frame, with 70% on
the cylinder showing some smooth brown patina on the balance, the slightest handling marks, bright blued screws,
vivid case colors on the loading lever and hammer,
and a distinct cylinder scene. The rear sight notch
has been filed out slightly. Grip is also excellent,
with tight fitment, a few age lines on the butt,
and a highly attractive crisp relief carved dragoon
portrait. Mechanically excellent. Case is fine, with
general light age related fading on the interior,
and accessories are fine to very fine. This attractive
cased Colt Model 1855 6A “Root” revolver with its
attractive relief carved dragoon portrait ivory grip
would make a fine addition to any Colt collection!
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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