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Colt M1855 Sidehammer Root .28 Pocket Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 2,400.00 USD
Colt M1855 Sidehammer Root .28 Pocket Revolver
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Offered for sale is a impressive example of a Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Root .28 Cal Pocket Revolver. The revolver features a 3 1/2" octagon barrel, five shot cylinder, walnut grips, side hammer, and a blue'd finish. This revolver was named after Elisha K. Root, the noted Colt designer (although Samuel Colt himself actually invented this model). This distinct model went into production in 1855 and was discontinued in 1870. It is a cap & ball single-action pocket revolver used during the American Civil War and made by the Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company in two calibers: .28 and .31. It is also the only Colt to have a side mounted hammer, “wraparound grip,” spur trigger and a cylinder retaining pin that enters the frame from the rear. In 1855 the Sidehammer was the first Colt's revolver to use the "creeping" loading lever. This loading mechanism was used again in 1860 in the design of the Colt Army Model 1860, the Colt Navy Model 1861 and the Colt Police Model 1862. The cylinder scene engraved on the first 25,000 pistols was created by banknote engraver Waterman Ormsby. The image was his fourth and last to be featured on Colt revolvers. The overall scene is 1 1/16 inch wide by 3 1/4 inch long. At one end of the scene is the text, "COLT'S PATENT No. 14705". The image contains a pioneer defending himself against an attack by six Indians in Seminole-style attire using a pair of revolver pistols. Along the top of the scene (the edge of the cylinder which is closest to the pistol barrel) is a "finely detailed wavy line and dot border". This is an exceptional example, this fine revolver retains nearly all the iconic “Cabin and Indian” roll engraved scene on the cylinder (usually this is worn away), excellent original walnut grips, fine original blue on all major parts, excellent screws, deep clear barrel markings of “COLTS PATENT 1855” and the usual Colt Co. Hartford, Connecticut address, cylinder has matching serial number 6381, retains the original small cone front sight. Many of these small Colts were bought and used by Civil War soldiers as personal weapons. They were also popular in the California Gold Fields. This revolver has a serial number of 6381 and is a second year of production revolver, being manufactured in 1856. NO FFL transfer or NICS background check required.