Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #4091
  • Lot #1206
Lot #1205
Lot #1207

Lot 1206: Cased Factory Engraved & Inscribed Colt Model 1855 Root Revolver

Desirable Cased Factory Engraved and Inscribed Colt Model 1855 Root Percussion Revolver with Accessories

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 18, 2024

Lot 1206: Cased Factory Engraved & Inscribed Colt Model 1855 Root Revolver

Desirable Cased Factory Engraved and Inscribed Colt Model 1855 Root Percussion Revolver with Accessories

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 18, 2024

Estimated Price: $5,000 - $7,500
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Desirable Cased Factory Engraved and Inscribed Colt Model 1855 Root Percussion Revolver with Accessories

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Root
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 31
Barrel: 3 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: antique ivory
Stock:
Item Views: 1168
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 178
Class: Antique
Description:

Manufactured in 1867. This is a solid example of a factory engraved Model 7 Root revolver. The rear portion of the barrel, frame and hammer are decorated with early vine style foliate arabesque patterns. The top of the barrel at the breech is marked "ADDRESS COL. COLT/NEW-YORK U.S.A.", and the serial number is marked on the butt followed by an "E" which designated this revolver for factory engraving. The serial number on the butt is extremely unusual in that it is six digits instead of only five (Model 7s were in the 11,075-14,000 range). Apparently the worker applying the serial number got a little excited and lost track of what he was doing and added the "1" at the end. The back strap is inscribed "J.N. Burgess. The inscription appears to be period factory applied. 5-shot cylinder with screw through side retaining the cylinder pin, roll engraved with the stagecoach hold up scene and marked "COLT'S PATENT/No 11232". Brass post front and frame notch rear sights and fitted with a smooth one-piece grip. Complete in an original burgundy velvet lined mahogany case with 5 compartments containing a scarce brass 2-cavity "COLTS PATENT" bullet mold with sprue cutter having an "H" on right side, a 2-sided early eagle flask and several round and conical lead bullets.

Rating Definition:

Very good. The revolver retains 30% original blue finish mixed with a smooth grayish patina. The cylinder scene is fading but visible, and there is some minor flash pitting around the nipple recesses. The action needs work; the hammer does not hold a cocked position. The grip is very fine with a few minor age cracks and a very attractive patina and grain. The engraving and barrel marking remains crisp and clear. The case is very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches on the exterior, and the lining has faded some and shows some contact wear. The lock escutcheon has been replaced with lighter colored wood. The flask and bullet mold are very good with an attractive aged patina.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #479: Colt Model 1855 "Root" Sidehammer Percussion Revolver

    Lot #49: Inscribed London Address Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

    Lot #899: Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

    Lot #54: Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

    Lot #898: Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

    Lot #483: Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver