Manufactured in 1857, this is an exceptional example of a scarce Colt Model 1855 sidehammer, or "Root," cut-away demonstration revolver. A limited number of these "skeleton" arms were manufactured, and are cut-away profusely to demonstrate the inner workings of the revolver. Recent research has shown that Colt cut-away revolvers were inspired by firearms appearing at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and were among Samuel Colt's favorite pieces. This cut-away revolver is pictured and described in R.L. Wilson's "Colt: An American Legend" (page 78) and listed by serial number as one of three known factory cut-away Model 1855 revolvers in R.L. Wilson's "The Book of Colt Firearms" (page 151). As with this revolver, the known Model 1855 cut-away revolvers have factory markings, features and finishes found on standard production models. The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT./1855" followed by "ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT U.S.A." with the pointing finger and Maltese crosses. The cylinder has the cabin and Indian fight scene. The revolver has extensive factory modifications to show the mechanical function of the components. The cylinder has a milled away section that exposes the inside of a chamber, a percussion nipple and the area between the chambers, a cutout that exposes the cylinder pin and two chambers and a narrow cutout the runs the length of a chamber. The left side of the barrel has been removed to expose the rifling. A cutout on the barrel lug demonstrates the inner workings of the loading lever. The frame, which includes the recoil shields, has multiple cutouts. Even a section to the hammer has been removed to show how the action operates. The one-piece grip has three cutouts that expose the grip screw and hammer spring. The loading lever, trigger and hammer are casehardened, and the remaining metal surfaces are a high polished blue. Fitted with a varnished grip.

Exceptionally fine. The revolver retains 95% plus original blue finish showing some scattered high edge wear. The markings and cylinder scene are crisp. The hammer, loading lever and trigger retain nearly 97% original case colors. The grip is fine with a repair on the butt and some minor handling marks. The action needs work as the hammer does not hold at the half or full cock position. Truly unique example of a Colt percussion cut-away demonstration revolver that rarely comes up for auction that would add value to even the most advanced Colt percussion collection!