This cased set of .31 caliber Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket revolvers and accessories is pictured and discussed on pages 92-93 of Wilson and Hable's COLT PISTOLS. They write "Among the true rarities in Colt casings are cased pairs from the Modell 1855 Sidehammer series. Pistols Nos. 370 and 1124 may well be unique, due mainly to the casing: Leather covered wood, with a contour-lined interior… The extra fine condition overall suggests the set saw little, if any, use but undoubtedly was a conversation piece for all who saw it." The pair of 'Model 3A' revolvers have 3 1/2-inch octagon barrels, fluted five-shot cylinders, round loading levers and 5/8-inch capping cut-outs in the recoil shields. The barrels are roll-stamped with the second style legend: "+COLT' PT./1855/+ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT.U.S.A.+" without the pointing hand. "PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850" is roll stamped in the cylinder flutes of both revolvers. The serial number "370" is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the butt of revolver A and revolver B is stamped with the serial number "1124" on the underside of the barrel and the butt. Both revolvers have the Colt high polish commercial blue finish on the barrels, cylinders and frames. The loading levers, hammers, triggers and cylinder pins are color casehardened. The barrels have brass cone front sights and the hammer spurs have bordered knurling. The one-piece walnut grips have a high polish piano finish. The revolvers are in a wooden, French-fitted dealer case. The case has a black painted finish and the lid is secured with two hooks. The case is lined with brown velvet and has seven compartments. In addition to the revolvers, the case is complete with: (1) a blued, iron, straight leg, .31 caliber, double cavity bullet mold for round balls and conical bullets marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the top of the sprue cutter (Rapley #M25), (2) American Flask and Cap Co., pocket pistol flask with fixed charger embossed with the 'Eagle and Shield' motif and "E.PLURIBUS UNUM." in a ribbon on both sides of the flask (RAPLEY, P.309, Fig.7 and 8), (3) Combination tool for Root Sidehammer pistols (Rapley #T19), and (4) assortment of lead round balls and conical bullets. The case has a compartment for a cap tin but no tin is present.

Very fine. Revolver No. 370 retains 85% of the high polish blue finish. The barrel shows only very minor edge wear. The finish on the cylinder is thin with an area of cold blue touch up on two chambers. The back strap and butt have some handling wear and much on the blue has faded to a smooth, dark patina. The hammer, cylinder pin, trigger and lever retain at least 95% of the fiery case colors. The grip has a few minor handling marks but is in excellent condition with nearly all of the original piano finish intact. The barrel and cylinder markings are crisp. The action functions perfectly. Revolver No. 1124 retains 80% of the original blue finish with light edge wear and scattered handling marks. There is light-moderate flash pitting on the percussion nipples and surrounding areas of the cylinder. The hammer, cylinder pin, trigger and loading lever retain at least 90% of the casehardened finish. There is a small chip in the front of the walnut grip; the balance of the grip is in excellent condition with minimal handling wear. The markings and serial numbers are crisp. The cylinder will not turn when the hammer is cocked. The case exterior shows moderate-heavy wear and retains about 60% of the black painted finish. The interior is in very good condition, the lining is clean, un-faded and shows minimal wear. The bullet mold is in good-very good condition; most of the blue finish is intact but there are a number of dents on the edges of the mold body and sprue cutter. The powder flask is in excellent condition; the body has no dents and retains 95% of the original brown lacquer finish, the top and charger have 90% of the gold plated finish intact and most of the fire blue finish remains on the spring. The combination tool is in excellent condition and retains about 90% of the original fire blue finish. This is an excellent cased pair of .31 caliber, Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket Revolvers.

As described in "A".

See "A".