Colt referred to this as the "New Model Revolving Pocket Pistol." These were the only solid frame Colt percussion revolvers to enter production and are certainly one of the most distinctive Colt percussion revolvers. The Model 1855 revolving long guns are based on the same basic design scaled up. With their sleek and radically different design compared to Samuel Colt's other revolvers and their limited production of around 34,000 total split between .28 and .31 calibers and multiple variations, they are naturally popular with collectors. This high condition example is a "Model 5" variation manufactured in 1862 with a full-fluted cylinder and round barrel marked with the two-line "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT/NEW-YORK U.S.A." One of the cylinder flutes has the "PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850" marking. The frame has the push-button cylinder pin release, and the pin has the "MAY 4th 1856" patent marking. The bottom of the barrel, rear of the cylinder, and butt have matching serial numbers. The case has red lining, a cartridge pack, several balls, a key, Union Metallic Cartridge Co. tin, eagle powder flask, L-shaped screwdriver, and a blued Colt's patent dual cavity ball/bullet mold. Provenance: The Don and Carol Wilkerson Collection

Excellent with 90% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish, some minor fading at the edges, bright original case colors, smooth gray and light brown patina on the balance, and minor overall wear mainly from light handling and storage. The grip is also excellent and has nearly all of the original varnish remaining, very slight edge wear, and a few tiny marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are all very fine and have mostly light wear aside from a minor crack on the case lid. This is a very fine example of one of the famous "Root" revolvers nicknamed after Colt's superintendent and later company president.