Original U.S. Colt "Root" Model 1855 Sidehammer .31cal Pocket Percussion Revolver - Matching Serial 11146 - Visible Cylinder Scene

Original Item: Only One Available: Here is a fantastic, excellent-condition example of a very hard-to-find Colt pocket percussion — the diminutive M-1855 Root. These little Colts are celebrated for their neat, compact design and were widely used as discreet self-defense pieces in the mid-19th century. Because of their small size they’re fragile compared with larger military patterns, which makes well-preserved examples like this especially desirable.

This specimen shows strong original blue on major surfaces and attractive walnut grips that present beautifully. The cylinder bears a clear engraved scene which is often worn away. The early pattern fluted cylinder is clearly stamped “PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850”, and the top of the barrel retains the classic two-line Colt address: "ADDRESS COL. COLT / NEW-YORK. U.S.A."

The revolver’s serial number 11146 is present in the standard locations (grip frame, rear of the cylinder, and under the barrel), confirming it as an all-matching gun and placing production in 1867. Mechanically the piece is honest and sound: it cocks to half, fires on full cock, and the cylinder indexes correctly — impressive for a pocket percussion of this age and a key factor for collectors.

Historically these pocket Colts were favored for concealed carry — they were popular with women and gentlemen alike who wanted a compact defensive pistol. This example carries that history in its lines and patina.

The M-1855 pocket pattern is much rarer in solid, original condition than later Colt models. All-matching serials and clear patent/barrel markings increase desirability and value. Wear is honest and consistent — not over-polished or altered. A compact, displayable Colt with working mechanism — great for both advanced Colt collectors and those building a quality percussion pistol collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1867
Caliber: .31 cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

History of the Colt "Root" Model 1855 Percussion Pistols:

The Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer, also known as the Colt Root Revolver after engineer Elisha K. Root (1808–1865), was 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.

In the revolver configuration of the patented revolving mechanism, only one model of revolver was produced. The only two available calibers for the revolver were .28 and .31. The production of the revolver started in 1855 and lasted until 1870. In spite of the complexity and ambition of its patented design, the Sidehammer revolver never reached the status of a popular gun. It was however very influential on later colt designs, and the revolving mechanism was used in all of colt's revolving rifles.

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.

In 1855 the Sidehammer was the first Colt's solid-frame spur-trigger gun. This anatomical characteristic was taken again when the three models of the Colt Derringer started production in 1870. For the two first models production lasted in 1890, and the third model ended in 1912 (until it was re-released in the 1950s for western movies, under the name of fourth model Colt Deringer). But in the Colt Deringers the solid-frame spur-triger design was still present in the patent when Colt's purchased the National Arms Company in 1870. Actual original Colt models subsequent to the Sidehammer and inheriting a solid frame and a spur trigger were the Colt House (1871) and the Colt New Line (1873)

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