Mid 19th Century U.S. Colt Model 1855 Pocket "Root" Revolver 0.28" Calibre
A scarce American Civil War period Colt Pocket Revolver Model 1855 which is very distinctive with its side hammer.
The metalwork is worn and doesn't retain any of its original bluing but is in good condition with only minor signs of corrosion (mostly around the nipples).
Although some of the barrel address stamp is still visible, it is worn and it is only partly legible, the same goes for the cylinder which is smooth and bears no evidence of the roll engraving that would have originally been there.
The one piece walnut grip (also unusual for Colt) has no splits but is missing a section, lost in antiquity as the edges have worn smooth.
The mainspring is good and the single action only mechanism is surprisingly crisp and smooth.
There are matching serial numbers (12343) stamped on the base of the grip and on the underside of the barrel.
I checked on the Colt website and that number relates to a manufacture date of 1856, so it is quite an early one ...... there were only 12,342 before it!
This was the only solid frame revolver that Colt made until 1873 and was also the first Colt model to have a spur trigger.
Although it was never an official Military sidearm they were purchased privately by Soldiers and Officers of both sides for personal protection.
A scarce Colt Revolver.
Barrel length 9cm, Overall length 20.5cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
