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LOT 3204
Incredibly Rare Cased
Cutaway Colt Model 1855 “Root” Percussion
Pocket Revolver - Serial no. 17345, 28 cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon
bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This Model 2 variant of Samuel
Colt’s distinctive “New Model Revolving Pocket Pistol” dates to
1857 and features fascinating cut-aways to demonstrate the
inner workings of the revolver’s mechanisms. This is certainly an interesting piece to
study and such pieces were used to demonstrate the mechanisms of firearms designs,
and advertisements in the 19th century sometimes included cut-away illustrations for
similar purposes. A small number of factory cutaways are known around this serial
number range, including 17236 which was in the factory collection as well as 17117
and 17170. No. 6475 in the Autry Museum of the American West is also a factory
cutaway of the same style. The barrel features a brass cone front sight and the
pointing hand and “+COLT’S PT./1855” and “+ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT.
U.S.A.+” markings on top, a long channel along the left side allowing a view at the rifled
bore, and the serial number on the underside. The loading lever arm has a small channel
to show the spring latch mechanism. The cylinder has the “cabin and Indian” scene, one
uncut chamber, and a larger window displaying the interior of two chambers as well as the
arbor pin. Even the nipples which are integral to the cylinder are cutaway demonstrating
how the flash is transmitted from the caps through narrow channels into the chambers
to ignite the powder. The frame has windows on each side revealing the threads on the
breech end of the barrel, a window showing the loading lever ratchet and corresponding
grooves, additional windows showing the inner-workings of the action, and the serial
number on the butt. The grip also has cutaway sections allowing a view of the mainspring
and grip screw. The case contains an Eley Bros. cap tin, ball/bullet mold, eagle pattern flask,
L-shaped screwdriver, and key.
CONDITION: Very fine with 80% plus original blue finish with fading mostly on the back
strap, nearly all of the bright original case colors on the hammer, crisp markings and
remaining sections of the cylinder scene, and generally minimal age and storage related
wear. The grip retains nearly all of the original finish and has a chip at the heel and minor
scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are fine with mild wear.
While there are already many variations of the “Root” to collect, the factory cutaways are
the rarest with only a very small number known and make an excellent addition to antique
Colt collection.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 10,000 - 16,000
LOT 3205
Cased Colt Model 1855 “Root” Model 2 Percussion Pocket Revolver - Serial no.
21785, 28 cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This .28 caliber Model
2 variant of Colt’s Model 1855 “Root” revolver series was manufactured in 1859, with
approximately 24,500 Model 2 revolvers made in the 476-25000 serial range, per page 153
of “The Book of Colt Firearms” (1971 publication) by Sutherland and Wilson. The 3 1/2 inch
octagon barrel has the second type address on top with the pointing hand motif ahead
of the two-block, two-line “+COLT’S PT./1855+” and “ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD
CT.U.S.A.+” markings. The cylinder has the cabin and Indian scene. Matching serial number
marked on the barrel, cylinder, and butt. Includes a partitioned hardwood case containing
an eagle powder flask, two cavity .28 caliber bullet mold marked “COLT’S/PATENT” on the
sprue cutter, screwdriver, cap tin, key, and lead balls.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus original bright blue finish with smooth brown
and gray patina on the balance, and absolutely sharp cylinder scene and barrel markings.
Grip is fine, retains much of the original glossy piano varnish finish, with a darkened area
on bottom rear with dings and scratches, otherwise tight fitment, and distinct edges.
Mechanically excellent. Case and accessories are fine, with mild age related wear on the
faded interior.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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