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  • Auction Catalog #76
  • Lot #45
Lot #44
Lot #46

Lot 45: Colt Model 1855 Root Revolver with Holster

Colt Model 1855 "Root" Sidehammer Percussion Revolver with Holster Attributed to Medal of Honor Recipient Warren Carman with Letter of Provenance

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 3, 2019

Lot 45: Colt Model 1855 Root Revolver with Holster

Colt Model 1855 "Root" Sidehammer Percussion Revolver with Holster Attributed to Medal of Honor Recipient Warren Carman with Letter of Provenance

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 3, 2019

Estimated Price: $1,800 - $2,750
Price Realized:
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Colt Model 1855 "Root" Sidehammer Percussion Revolver with Holster Attributed to Medal of Honor Recipient Warren Carman with Letter of Provenance

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Root
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 31
Barrel: 3 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 6443
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 32
Class: Antique
Description:

According to the letter of provenance, this revolver and holster were owned by Private Warren Carman (1845-1894) of Company H, 1st NY Cavalry who was issued the Medal of Honor on March 26, 1865, for capturing the enemy flag and several prisoners at the Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia, on March 2, 1865. The Union forces under Brig. Gen. George Armstrong Custer captured 16 stands of colors and 1,000-1,800 men during the brief battle which was a rout thanks to ingenious strategy on Custer's part. The battle marked the end of Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal Early forces. The document indicates Max F. McAllister Jr. received this pistol from Mary Carman, the widow of Warren Carman's son, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, around 1948. Also included is an unrelated letter for a Single Action Army Revolver with the same serial number. The revolver was manufactured in 1861 and has standard markings and features. The black leather flap style belt holster is unmarked and fits the pistol nicely.

Rating Definition:

Fine with 40% plus original blue finish, 25% original case colors visible mostly on the tail end of the leaver, traces of original case colors elsewhere, smooth brown and gray patinas on the balance, some slight spotting, and mild overall wear. The grip is very fine with strong original varnish finish, slight nicks and pressure marks, and minor edge wear. Mechanically fine. The holster is fine and has crackling and flaking of the exterior surfaces, tight stitching, and some small tears. This is a very attractive "Root" revolver attributed as owned by a cavalryman who won our nation's highest military honor.



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