Colt referred to this as the "New Model Revolving Pocket Pistol," and collectors often refer to them as "Root" revolvers after Colt's superintendent Elisha K. Root who took over as company president following Samuel Colt's death until Root's own passing in 1865. Given their sleek design which departs heavily from the usual Colt percussion revolvers along with their limited production and several production variations, these revolvers have long been popular with collectors. George Armstrong Custer posed with his Model 1855 Pocket for his West Point portrait in 1859. His appears to have been the same "Model 2" variation as this example which was manufactured in 1856. It has a cone front sight, manicule followed by "+COLT'S PT./1855+" and "ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" on top of the barrel, loading lever that is round for most of the arm and then octagonal at the rear, the cabin and Indian fight scene on the cylinder, screw securing the cylinder pin, and matching serial numbers visible on the barrel, cylinder, and butt. It comes in a fitted case with maroon or "wine" colored lining, cartridge pack, tiny eagle pattern flask, a few cartridges, and a Colt's patent brass dual cavity ball/bullet mold with iron sprue cutter. Provenance: The Don and Carol Wilkerson Collection

Extremely fine. The revolver retains 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish with some fading to smooth brown and gray patina mainly at the edges, some light scratches and handling marks, and generally only minor wear. The grip is excellent and has the nearly all of the glossy original varnish remaining, some slight flaking on the butt, and minor edge wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine and have minor age and storage related wear. A very attractive case set all around.