Manufactured c. the mid-1800s, this is an incredibly scarce and desirable example of an intriguing gun case offered by Colt. These cases were intended to appear to be a book while concealing one of Colt's smaller revolver designs along with its accessories inside. A similar case for a Model 1849 pocket revolver is pictured on p. 81 of "Colt Single Action: From Patersons to Peacemakers" by Dennis Adler. The book states that these cases were available in a few varieties, including the title of this "book" and the one pictured, as well as "Colt Bible, Law for Selfdefence" and "Colt on the Constitution, Higher Law and Irrepressible Conflict". The example pictured has a leather wrapped cover/lid that matches the spine of the book, while the example offered here has a gutta percha-like lid that has a relief scene representing Christopher Columbus landing in the Americas and relief floral motifs around the border. The spine and back are leather wrapped, and the spine is marked "COLT'S/PIONEER." and "TO/CIVILIZATION/AND/CHRISTIANITY", both in gilt text. The edges of the case imitating the page ends are also gilt finished. The interior of this case appears to be fitted for a Colt Model 1855 "Root" revolver, a powder flask, two cap tins, and a tool. Cases such as these would have been ideal for keeping a small revolver close at hand while remaining inconspicuous, such as on top of a desk or on an accessible book shelf.

The gutta percha lid is very fine with only the slightest handling/storage marks. The leather wrapped portions are good showing significant wear and cracking with some absent pieces and most of the gilt finish remaining on the "pages". This would be an incredible piece to house a Colt Model 1855 revolver and its accessories for display in your collection!