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LOT 1098
Outstanding and Rare Factory Cased Special Order Nickel Plated Colt Model 1855 “Root” Sidehammer Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 26913, 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 special order nickel plated late Model 3 variation, and it remains in exceptional condition. The barrel has a small cone front sight and the two-line patent and Hartford address with the manicule motif at the beginning. This motif was eliminated on the later Model 1855 revolvers. The top strap groove serves as the rear sight. The fluted cylinder has the
patent marking between the chambers, and the arbor pin has “MAY 4th 1858”. Matching serial numbers are on the bottom of the barrel, back of the cylinder, and the butt. The case contains a cleaning rod, L-shaped combination tool, Eley Bros. cap tin, small double sided eagle powder flask, and a Colt patent dual cavity bullet mold. CONDITION: Excellent with 97% plus original nickel plating remaining, wear mainly limited to some minor oxidation/pitting on the inside of the top strap and on the nipples, and light handling and storage marks. The markings are crisp throughout. The grip is also excellent and has smooth oiled finish, slight edge wear, and
a few minor handling and storage marks. It remains mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very good and have mild age and storage related wear such as some stains on the lining and light scratches and dings. This is easily one of the finest nickel plated Colt Model 1855 Pockets extant.
Estimate: 9,000 - 12,000
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