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Colt Root Sidehammer Collection: Model 1 69
Guns International #: 100679094 Seller's Inventory #: SN69
Category: Antique Revolvers - Percussion - Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion
Seller's Information
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Seller: ncmal
Member Since: 12/13/14
Last Name: Burnette
State: Florida
Country: United States
Phone: (828) 231-1930
Number of Active Listings: 0
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Checks, Money Orders
Description:
The Colt Root Sidehammers pictured and listed here are not for sale individually. They are offered as a complete collection. There is one each of all 13 models, properly cased, included in this collection plus two additional examples.
A good number to start talking about a purchase would be $150,000.00. We will listen to your number if you don't like ours. Perhaps we can get together. If you are interested, arrangements will be made for you to see the collection on display in Florida. Details given with appointment.
Model 1, serial number 69, is a blued revolver which retains little original finish. The numbers all match, including the grip. This revolver is not as high on the quality scale as the other model 1we have in our collection, but we had reasons to buy it. The case is an original Colt mahogany case with a red faded to brown lining. The accoutrement group includes a two-sided “ Colts Patent” copper eagle on the hummock flask , a 28 caliber brass bowlegged “Colt’s Patent” bullet mold with iron sprue cutter, a 100 count stamped "Eley Bros London" japanned cap tin with a split base, a typical wooden handled period screwdriver, and of course a key.
The reason we wanted this Root in our collection was because this particular Root is the model 1 photographed and published in Keogh’s monograph Sam Colt’s New Model Pocket Pistols: The Story Of The 1855 Root Model Revolver on page 14. It was purchased from a representative of his estate.
Although Keogh never mentioned the serial number of the Model 1 photographed for his book, you can verify the above story and prove that it is the same gun by looking at the fingerprints of time left behind.
· The front sight filed down flat to the barrel
· The four heavy dents on the left flat of the barrel
· The pattern of dents in the left side of the grip
· The broken head of the cylinder arbor retaining pin screw
· The flats hammered on the rear knob of the cylinder pin
And finally, what is the probability of 2 of the first 69 model 1 Colt Roots ever produced to have survived since 1855 and come together again in the same collection? Even more against the odds is to be consecutive serial numbers, both with some verifiable provenance. One has seen far more use and abuse than the other, but is still a properly functioning example. There were only 175 model ones ever produced.
The Colt Root Sidehammer was one of the least produced percussion revolvers manufactured by Samuel Colt. There were only a total production quantity of approximately 40,000. Made up of 26,000 of the 28 caliber models and 14,000 of the 31 caliber models. The production period for these percussion revolvers was from 1855 through 1870 which spanned the Civil War period. Therefore, the surviving quantity of these 40,000 produced is an unknown.
This remarkable collection was 20 years in the making—20 years that culminated in winning 3rd place in the Antique Percussion Arms category at the 2015 Colt Collectors Association show.
Much care was taken to select artifacts in similar condition so that they make a consistent and attractive collection. Included are rare pieces such as two consecutively numbered Model 1s, a Model 7A, a Model 2A with a case-hardened frame, an L. D. Nimschke engraved Model 2, a Gustave Young engraved Model 2A, and a fully silver-plated Model 3. Some of these take years of diligent searching to locate: To see a complete collection with all 13 models together is nearly unheard of
.
All cases, bullet molds, powder flasks, cap tins, and other accessories are appropriate for the models they accompany according to research in The Powder Flask Book by Ray Riling, The Complete Collector’s Guide to the Identification of Colt Percussion Accoutrements, 1834 – 1873 by Robin J. Rapley, and A Guide To The Proper Accoutrements For Hartford Produced Percussion Colt Revolvers by Fred Sweeny.
As the centerpiece of a serious firearms connoisseur’s gunroom, an addition to a sportsman’s den, or a complement to a Civil War historian’s library, this collection would be a coveted enhancement to any fine residence.
We’ll include the display furniture and some of the props for the award-winning display pictured as well as the firearms, cases, and accessories. You can enjoy hunting other related period antiques and enhancing your own showcase for
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1
Serial Number: 69