This stunning "Model 7A" variation of the Model 1855 was manufactured in 1867 and represents the best of the best of this last variation of "Root" revolver which features the distinctive long two-stage barrel and a screw in the cylinder. This revolver remains in extraordinarily high condition and displays the classic late percussion vine scroll engraving composed of flowing scrollwork with plain backgrounds, and it is also mounted with a rare checkered grip. The barrel has a post front sight and "ADDRESS COL. COLT/NEW-YORK USA" on top and "11278" on the bottom at the breech. The cylinder features the classic stagecoach hold-up scene along with "COLTS PATENT/No 11278", and the butt has "11278IE" in an engraved banner among the scrollwork. The factory "IE" marking confirms the factory engraving and grip. The mahogany case has a nickel-silver oval lid plaque inscribed "Augustus Putnam/from/Hartford Evening Post" in attractive period script, rose colored velvet lined interior, Eley cap tin, key, two L-shaped combination tools, "31 PKT" and "COLTS/PATENT" marked blued ball/bullet mold, pocket flask with the eagle and shield motif on one side, and four Colts Cartridge Works cartridge packs marked "EXPRESSLY FOR/COL. COLT'S PATENT/NEW MODEL/REVOLVING POCKET PISTOL". The revolver is feature on page 149 of R.L. Wilson's "Colt Engraving Book Volume 1" and again in "The Colt Heritage" on page 82. It is shown with a different case and accessories in the latter. Joseph Roswell Hawley (1826-1905) was a career Republican in Connecticut in the 19th century to early 20th century. He was among the leaders of the nascent Republican Party in the antebellum era and became the editor of the new Hartford Evening Press in 1857. During the war, he rose to become a brevet major general of volunteers. His leadership propelled him to the governorship in 1866-1867. After his defeat, he purchased the Hartford Courant which dates back to the colonial era and combined it with the Evening Press, and it became one of the most prominent organs for the Republican Party in the post-war era. The Hartford Morning Post and Hartford Evening Press were merged into the Hartford Evening Post in 1868. Hawley also became the chairman of the Republican National Convention in 1868 and was president of the U.S. Centennial Commission in charge of planning and running the famous 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1872-1875 and again in 1879 to 1881 and then was elected to the U.S. Senate from 1881 to 1905. The various editions of the "Evening Post Annual" from the late 19th century provide a nice biographical information and a portrait of Hawley. Augustus Putnam (1817-1890) ran a stationary, book binding, and newspaper business in Middletown until selling it during the Civil War while he was serving as deputy provost marshal in the 2nd District in Connecticut during the Civil War. He was an active Republican from Middletown, Connecticut, and is noted to have been a correspondent for the Hartford Evening Post for twenty-eight years and thus was an ally and employee of Hawley. In 1865, he was also appointed as an agent for the Connecticut River & New York Express Company. On October 19, 1867, the Courant acknowledged Putnam for doing "all that could be done to provide for the 'press gang'" at the Middlesex County Agricultural Fair. In 1868, the Courant indicates Augustus Putnam of Middletown, Connecticut, was one of the secretaries of the Middlesex County meeting of Republicans during which Hawley gave a speech. The following year, Putnam was appointed as a collector of customs for Middletown by Republican President Ulysses S. Grant, and he remained in the office until 1886. His obituary in the Courant on January 14, 1890, closed noting: "He was a public spirited citizen and held various local offices. He was a thorough going republican and a firm friend." Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Excellent with crisp engraving and markings, 98% of the original brilliant blue finish on the frame, barrel, and cylinder; small spots of smooth brown patina, bright blued screws, brilliant casehardening on the hammer, and fairly minor overall wear. The grip is also excellent and has crisp checkering and attractive natural aged tones. The trigger reset is weak, but the revolver otherwise functions. Aside from a small crack in the case lid, the case and accessories are excellent with minimal age and storage related wear. The inscription is crisp. Overall, this is an outstandingly high condition cased set with interesting reconstruction era Hartford political connections.