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  • Auction Catalog #4090
  • Lot #219
Lot #218
Lot #220

Lot 219: Cased Colt Model 1855 "Root" Percussion Pocket Revolver

Excellent Cased Colt Model 1855 "Root" Percussion Pocket Revolver

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Lot 219: Cased Colt Model 1855 "Root" Percussion Pocket Revolver

Excellent Cased Colt Model 1855 "Root" Percussion Pocket Revolver

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Estimated Price: $9,500 - $14,000

Excellent Cased Colt Model 1855 "Root" Percussion Pocket Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1855 Root Pocket
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 28
Barrel: 3 1/2 inch octagon
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1827
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 202
Class: Antique
Description:

Samuel Colt's "New Model Pocket Pistol" generally known to collectors as the Model 1855 Pocket or "Root" revolver after Elisha K. Root, is a very distinctive model and was Colt's only production percussion revolving handgun built with a solid frame. The same design on a larger scale was also used for Colt's side hammer revolving rifles and shotguns. This incredibly high condition, early Colt Model 1855 Pocket revolver is a "Model 2" variant manufactured in 1856 with a 3 1/2 inch octagon barrel with a cone front sight and the pointing hand motif followed by the two-line, two-block patent and address marking and a round cylinder with the cabin and Indian roll-scene. A sight groove and notch rear sight are incorporated into the top strap. Matching serial numbers are visible on the barrel, cylinder, and butt. The revolver is finished with blue on the barrel, cylinder, and frame; casehardening on the loading lever and hammer, and has a "piano" varnish finish on the walnut grip. It comes with a partitioned case containing an Eley Brothers cap tin with green label around the side, a few lead bullets, a Great Seal of the U.S. themed powder flask, brass ball/bullet mold with "COLT'S/PATENT" marked on the sprue cutter and "F" on the right arm, and a cleaning rod. Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection

Rating Definition:

Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish and only exhibits some minor handling and storage wear mainly consisting of fading at the heel. The hammer and loading lever arm also retain 95% plus of the vibrant original case colors, and the markings and cylinder scene remain crisp. The grip is also excellent and has nearly all of the original varnish and only light lower edge and handling wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very good and have mild storage wear including fading and contact wear on the lining and attractive aged patina on the mold. The flask retains the vast majority of the original finish. Overall, this is a stunning cased Colt Model 1855 Pocket from the second year of production!



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