This extraordinary Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer 7A revolver was manufactured circa 1868. This Model 7A revolver has a .31 caliber 4 1/2 inch round barrel and round loading lever with navy style latch and latch catch, round cylinder roll-engraved with the stagecoach holdup scene and extremely rare retainer screw in the side. The top of the barrel is marked: "ADDRESS/COL. COLT LONDON" in two lines. "LE" is stamped above the serial number on the revolver butt. London "Crown/CP" and "Crown/V" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel and above each chamber on the cylinder. The serial number "12864" is stamped on the revolver butt, the side of the cylinder and on the underside of the barrel. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has the London Colt high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder and frame. The loading lever, hammer and cylinder pin are color casehardened, and the revolver has a one-piece grip. The revolver is contained in a British oak case with round brass plate in the center and eight brass reinforcing screws on the corners. The case has a green baize lining with seven compartments. A Colt instruction sheet is glued to the inside of the lid. The case contains: (1) steel cleaning rod with turned wooden handle, (2) 500 count tin of Ely percussion caps for Colt's Belt and Pocket pistols, (3) pewter oil bottle with Dixon markings on the bottom, (4) L-shaped combination screwdriver/nipple wrench, (5) blued, iron, straight leg, double cavity bullet mold stamped "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter and "31PKT" on the right block, (6) bag-shaped Dixon powder flask with adjustable charger marked "COLTS POCKET FLASK" on the lid, (7) Model 1855 Sidehammer tool (8) .31 caliber round and conical bullets and (9) key. Model 1855 Sidehammer revolvers with London markings are the rarest of all London-marked Colt percussion pistols. This revolver was pictured on the cover of the November 1999 issue of "GUN REPORT" magazine. Writer has never seen a finer example!

Excellent plus. The revolver retains 98% plus of the original high polish blue finish. The cylinder retains all of the roll-engraved holdup scene. The loading lever, hammer and cylinder pin retain 99% original vivid case colors and shows minimal finish wear. The barrel legend, serial numbers and proofmarks are sharp. The grip has a mellow patina and remains in excellent condition. The oak case is very good. The case exterior shows only light-moderate storage wear. The original green baize interior lining remains very fine overall. The Colt instruction sheet on the case lid is excellent. The cap tin, oil bottle, bullet mold, powder flask and tools all are excellent plus with minimal storage and handling wear. This is the finest example of the rarest London-marked Colt Model 1855 7A Sidehammer Root percussion revolver with original case and accessories known. Either step up to the plate or admire it in some other astute collector's gun room.