The Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket Revolver that was manufactured circa 1857. The revolver is cased and factory engraved by Master Engraver Gustave Young. The revolver has Young's signature Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background on the sides of the barrel and loading lever, the top and sides of the frame, hammer and the back strap. Five small dots are stamped on the top of the hammer spur. The revolver is fitted with a one-piece ivory grip. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the second style legend which features a hand pointing from the muzzle to the breech followed by: "+ COLT'S PT/1855.+" in two lines followed by "ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.+" in two lines with Maltese Crosses separating the two-line blocks. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the Cabin and Indian scene and "COLT'S PATENT" markings. The serial number "8374" is stamped on the underside of the barrel, on the side of the cylinder and on the bottom of the grip strap in an engraved ribbon. The mahogany, American style, case has five compartments and is lined with brown velvet. The case contains: (1) brass, double cavity, bullet mold for round balls and conical bullets marked: "COLTS/PATENT" in two lines across the blocks and "R" on the top of the left block, (2) copper powder flask with fixed charger embossed on both sides with an eagle and shield under two rows of stars above crossed revolvers without "COLTS PATENT" markings, and (3) assorted lead .28 caliber balls and conical bullets.

Fine. The revolver has a dark patina with 30% of the original blue and case hardened finish in protected areas. There are several very small spots of pitting on the left side of the barrel at the muzzle, on the right side of the barrel lug and on the underside of the frame. The intricate Germanic scroll engraving is sharp and deep. There are scattered spots of flash pitting on the cylinder. The cylinder retains half of the Cabin and Indian scene and the "COLT'S PATENT" markings are faint. The ivory grip has an attractive patina and has shrunk slightly at the top of the frame. The grip is in good overall condition with a hairline crack in the left side, two circular age cracks in the butt and several small chips on the right side next to the grip strap. The case is in good condition; the exterior has scattered handling and storage marks. The lining is dusty and faded and has wear marks from contact with the revolver front sight pin, cylinder and hammer screw. The bullet mold is in good condition with moderate handling wear. The powder flask is in fair condition and retains none of the original finish. This is a solid, original example of a factory cased Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Revolver with factory ivory grips engraved by the premier 19th Century American firearms engraver Gustave Young.