Samuel Colt's "New Model Revolving Pocket Pistol" or "Model 1855 Pocket" was nicknamed by collectors as the "Root Revolver" after factory foreman and superintendent Elisha K. Root. They are the only Colt percussion revolvers to feature a solid frame and spur trigger. They certainly rank among the most attractive of all American percussion pocket pistols. Nonetheless, production was limited to only around 30,000 in the diminutive .28 caliber in 1855-1861 and another 14,000 in .31 caliber in 1860-1870 compared to over 300,000 of the larger Model 1849 Pocket revolvers. Given their attractive and distinctive style, multiple variations, and rarity, these revolvers are highly sought after by collectors today. This "Model 2" variant was manufactured in 1856 with an octagon barrel with cone front sight and the pointing hand motif ahead of the patent and Hartford address, cylinder with the cabin and Indian scene, varnished one-piece grip, and matching serial numbers on the barrel, butt, and cylinder. The wood case contains a Great Seal of the U.S. themed pocket powder flask, brass double cavity bullet mold with "COLT'S/PATENT" marked sprue cutter, Goldmark cap tin, lead balls and bullets, and a rare trade label reading: "SPORTMEN'S DEPOT/CHARLES FOLSOM/Importer of Guns and Sporting Apparatus,/AND/GUN MATERIALS of every description,/203 BROADWAY/NEW-YORK." An included July 7, 1976, letter from Herb Glass Sr. indicates the revolver was sold by his son to a collector a couple of days earlier and notes that it "is completely original and in very fine condition...The small size of the Root model makes cased sets attractive, and yours is especially so with its fine condition and original dealer's business card inside the lid. I can assure you that Colts in this condition are an excellent investment. I hope you enjoy it." Provenance: Herb Glass Jr.; Property of a Gentleman

Fine with 60% plus original blue finish, 30% original case colors, some minor oxidation, and mostly minor age and storage related wear. The grip is also fine and retains the vast majority of the original finish and has minor scratches and edge wear. Mechanically fine. The refinished case and accessories are very good with minor age and storage related wear and some glued repairs on the case dividers.