This is a very fine example of one of the earliest variations of Colt's Model 1855 or "Root" revolver. The nickname for the revolver comes from Elisha King Root, who was hired in 1849 by Samuel Colt as factory superintendent. By that time, Root was already an accomplished inventor, continuing to do so in his new position, while also running the factory commendably. While employed by Colt, Root perfected the Lincoln miller milling machine, which became one of the most important American manufacturing machines of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also designed these pocket revolvers, which have remained associated with his name among collectors to this day. Manufactured in 1855, the first year of production, this example, serial number 316, is one of the earliest variations of the Model 1855, a "1-A", which fall in the serial number range of 176-384. The most notable features defining a Model 1-A are the 3 7/16 inch barrel having the address without the "pointing hand", a full octagon loading lever, non-fluted cylinder with rollmarked "Cabin and Indian" scene, and a 5/8 inch capping groove in the right of the recoil shield, all of which are present on this example. An included letter from the Museum of Connecticut History states that this revolver was part of the collection donated to the museum by the Colt Firearms Company in 1957 and that the museum deaccessioned the revolver in March of 1980 as part of a trade for arms that it did not have in its collection. An included letter from Arnold Chernoff states that he acquired some of the arms from the museum, referring to the previously mentioned museum letter as proof of purchase. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Colt's patent and address markings. The matching serial number is marked on the butt, bottom of the barrel, and the cylinder ("3" stamped backwards on cylinder). It is fitted with a German silver pin front sight, frame top groove rear sight, and a smooth walnut one-piece grip. Includes a unique maple presentation style case lined with red velvet, Eley Bros. cap tin, "double eagle" powder flask, dual-cavity Colt's patent mold, screwdriver, key, a package of combustible cartridges, and some balls/bullets. Provenance: The Colt Factory Collection; The Museum of Connecticut History; The Arnold M. Chernoff Collection; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Extremely fine, retains 80% of the original high polish blue finish and strong traces of the original case colors on the hammer and loading lever with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina. The grip is very fine with some scattered light handling marks and retaining most of the varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with a few hairline age cracks and some light handling/storage wear. These early Colt Model 1855 revolvers are rare in any condition, making an exceptional example like this from the Colt factory collection a must-have for the advanced collector!