This rare revolver is one of only 175 Model 1 Colt sidehammer revolvers manufactured in 1855. The revolver has an octagon barrel and octagon loading lever, cylinder pin latch that inserts from the left side of the barrel lug and 1/2 inch wide recoil shield capping cut out. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the two line address " X COLTS/PATENT X ADDRESS SAML COLT/HARTFORD CT.U.S.A. X ". This address is found only on early 1855 sidehammer revolvers with octagon barrels. The five shot cylinder is hand engraved with the Cabin and Indian scene. The hammer spur has bordered knurling and there are there are seven tiny dots stamped on the hammer below the spur (writer believes that these denote Gustave Young's work charge performed on the cylinder, hammer and barrel address). The assembly number "11" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and on the side of the cylinder pin. The serial number, "76" is stamped on the underside of the barrel, the side of the cylinder and on the butt. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has the Colt commercial blue finish on the barrel and frame. The loading lever, cylinder pin and hammer are casehardened and the cylinder is bright. The one piece rosewood grip has a varnished piano finish. Model 1 Revolvers are among the rarest Colt percussion revolvers and seldom appear at auction. Fewer Model 1 Revolvers were made than any Colt Paterson revolver.

Fine. The revolver is all original and retains 50% of the original blue finish. There is some heavy pitting on the barrel at the muzzle and light flash pitting on the percussion nipples and rear of the cylinder. Both sides of the barrel lug and the top strap have scattered dents and scratches. The blue finish on the back strap is thin. The hammer, loading lever and cylinder pin retain about 80% of the casehardened finish. The cylinder retains nearly all of the Cabin and Indian scene and has an even gray patina. The barrel markings and serial numbers are clear. The grip is also fine with most of the piano finish intact. This is a fine example of a seldom encountered and highly desirable Colt Model 1, 1855 Revolver. This variation is absent from most Colt Percussion Collections!