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LOT 1194
Extremely Rare and Highly Attractive Cased Gustave Young Deluxe Factory
Engraved Extremely Early Production Two-Digit Serial Number 16 Colt
Model 1855 Model 1 “Root” Percussion Pocket Revolver - Serial no. 16, 28
cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, highly figured walnut grips. This is an
extremely rare and beautiful factory engraved .28 caliber Model 1 variant
of Colt’s Model 1855 “Root” revolver series, manufactured in the first year
of production in 1855, and bearing two-digit serial number 16. Model 1
revolvers are already rare, as they are only known in the approximate 1-175
serial range, per page 153 of “The Book of Colt Firearms” by Sutherland and
Wilson, with this important example made even rarer in that it is one of
only a handful known to have been factory engraved. The capping groove
cutout on the right recoil shield is 1/2 inch in width as only seen on these
Model 1 variants, differing from the 1A variant after it which has a 5/8 inch
wide capping groove cutout; both of these early models have an octagon
loading lever. The revolver features masterfully executed exquisite factory
acanthus scroll engraving with punch-dot backgrounds and track line
borders, as well as small animal head motifs. The factory engraving was
executed for Colt by Gustave Young’s shop, likely performed by the master
himself, and the hammer on this revolver has Young’s signature punch dots
below the spur. Reportedly, each dot represented a ten hour day of work.
The hammer on this richly embellished revolver has seven dots. It closely
follows engraving patterns seen on other factory engraved revolvers in “The
Book of Colt Engraving” and “The Colt Engraving Book: Volume I” both by R.L.
Wilson, in the sections covering Master Engraver Gustave Young. The top of the
barrel has the desirable fancy hand engraved “Colt’s Patent” marking. The cylinder
has the cabin and Indian scene. Serial number “16” marked on the cylinder. Includes
a correct early French style contoured rosewood presentation case with “13957”
handwritten on the bottom, containing an array of accessories, with a pocket powder
flask, incorrect caliber replacement two cavity bullet mold marked “31 PKt” on the side and
“COLT’S/PATENT” on the sprue cutter, Hicks cap tin, and screwdriver.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 60% original high polish blue finish on the barrel and frame,
with smooth gray patina on the cylinder, strong patterns of original case colors showing on the
loading lever and hammer, and a very crisp cylinder scene with absolutely sharp engraving overall.
Grip is very fine, with attractive restored glossy piano varnish finish, and distinct edges. Mechanically
excellent. Case is fine, the lock components are removed, with general storage related wear. This
rare early production Colt Model 1855 “Root” Pocket revolver is possibly the earliest known surviving
example of a factory engraved Model 1, making it an extremely desirable piece for any Colt collector!
Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000
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