Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer revolver manufactured c. 1858. This Model 2 revolver has a .28 caliber octagon barrel with Hartford address and "Pointing Hand" motif, five-shot round cylinder roll-engraved with the "Cabin and Indian" scene, and round loading lever with octagon base. The barrel, frame and cylinder have a high polish blue finish and the loading lever, hammer, trigger and cylinder pin are color case-hardened. The one-piece grip has fine checkering on the butt. The barrel, loading lever, frame and hammer are engraved with delicate, relief cut, scrollwork on a punch-dot background. This engraving was probably executed by Herman Brodenstein. Nearly identical examples of the engraving on this pistol are illustrated on pages 22-24 of "COLT FACTORY ENGRAVERS" by Herbert Houze. Brodenstein's engraving is frequently attributed to Gustave Young who utilized a very similar style. The revolver serial number, "19475" is stamped on the underside of the barrel, side of the cylinder and bottom of the back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is complete with a Colt mahogany case with five compartments lined with dark green velvet. The case contains: (1) brown lacquer powder flask with fixed charger embossed on both sides with eagle and shield motif and "E. PLURIBUS. UNUM" ribbon, (2) 'bow-leg' brass, double cavity, bullet mold with steel sprue cutter stamped "COLTS/PATENT", (3) L-shaped screw-driver, (4) flat blade screw-driver with wooden handle, and (5) key.

Very fine. The revolver is all original and retains 80% of the bright original high polish blue finish. The finish has flaked on the top and sides of the barrel and on the cylinder "Cabin and Indian" scene. Nearly all of the high polish blue is present on the frame and back strap. The hammer, loading lever and other case-hardened components have vivid case colors. The cylinder retains most of the roll-engraved scene. The delicate and flawlessly executed engraving is extremely crisp. The grip has yellowed slightly with age but remains in excellent condition. The percussion nipples and face of the frame and hammer show traces of flash pitting. The mahogany case is in fine overall condition. There is a repaired, hair-line, crack in the upper right corner of the lid. The velvet lining is clean and bright. The only significant wear is a spot on the bottom of the main compartment caused by contact with the revolver cylinder. The powder flask is in excellent condition and retains nearly all of the brown lacquer, gold plated and fire blue finish. The bullet mold and screw drivers are also in excellent condition. This is a very fine example of a factory cased and engraved Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Revolver.