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LOT 3105
Exceptional Documented Deluxe Rosewood Presentation Cased Pair of Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket Percussion Revolvers -A) Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket Revolver -
Serial no. 4658, 28 cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, antique ivory grips. The Colt Model 1855 “Root” revolvers were designed by Samuel Colt and nicknamed after his factory foreman
and superintendent Elisha K. Root. They are the only Colt percussion revolvers to feature a solid frame and spur trigger. They certainly rank among the most attractive of all American percussion pocket pistols. Nonetheless, production was limited to only around 30,000 in the
diminutive .28 caliber in 1855-1861 and another 14,000 in .31 caliber in 1860-1870 compared to over 300,000 of the larger Model 1849 Pocket revolvers. Given their attractive and distinctive style, multiple variations, and rarity, these revolvers are highly sought after by collectors today, and case pairs like this are nearly unheard of. This very fine pair of Model 1855 Pocket revolvers manufactured in 1855 and 1856 respectively were featured on the cover of the March 2009 issue of “The Gun Report” (see page 14 for the article). They come in a one-of-a-kind double rosewood partitioned period case for “Roots” built with 4 1/2 inch or 3 1/2 inch barrels. Front sight rub marks on the lining suggest that only 3 1/2 inch variations have been in the case, and both of these revolvers have 3 1/2 inch barrels. The underside of the case retains portions of a J. G. Bolen of New York paper advertisement with
part of a picture of an Allen pepperbox revolver visible. The case has a special compartment at the front for an “L” wrench/screwdriver, which is included and has the correct “long arm” for easy retrieval. The case also contains a correct
double sided eagle pocket powder flask, “COLTS/PATENT” marked two cavity bullet mold, unopened Eley Brothers cap tin, sealed package of combustible envelope cartridges, lead
balls and bullets, and case key. The revolvers have the Model 2 Sidehammer features which include full octagon barrel, five-shot cylinder roll engraved with the cabin and Indian scene
and Hartford barrel address with the pointing hand motif. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, barrel and cylinder. Each revolver has a checkered grip but “B” has checkering that extends to the bottom.
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