Colt called this model his "New Model Pocket Revolving Pistol." This Colt "Root" revolver was manufactured in 1856 and is the "Model 2" variant (serial numbers 476-25000) with the 3 1/2 inch octagon barrel, Hartford barrel address with point hand motif, and cabin and Indian fight cylinder scene and "COLT'S PATENT" marking. Matching serial numbers are visible on the butt, cylinder, and bottom of the barrel. The revolver features beautiful German-American scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds on the breech section of the barrel, flats of the loading lever, frame, and hammer. The hammer also has a fish scale design, bordered knurling, and a "V" with seven dots. A very similarly engraved Colt Model 1855 Pocket is attributed to Herman Bodenstein on pages 24-25 of "Colt Factory Engravers of the 19th Century" by Herbert Houze who notes that Bodenstein was working in Hartford in early 1855 prior to moving temporarily to Milwaukee. He later became Colt's primary engraving contractor after Gustave Young left to Germany in 1858. The revolver is fitted in a partitioned case containing lead balls and bullets, Eley Brothers cap tin, case key, brass cap dispenser, double sided eagle powder flask, and .28 caliber ball/bullet mold with sprue cutter marked "COLT'S/PATENT."

Very good, retaining 30% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The cylinder has flash pitting and retains much of the scene. The age shrunken grips are fine with a few typical age lines and highly attractive color and grain. Cylinder pin does not lock, otherwise action cycles properly. The relined case is fine with repaired lid, handing/storage marks on the exterior and some typical high spot wear on the lining.