The Colt Model 1855 "Root" revolvers were designed by Samuel Colt and nicknamed after his factory foreman and superintendent Elisha K. Root. They are the only Colt percussion revolvers to feature a solid frame and spur trigger. They certainly rank among the most attractive of all American percussion pocket pistols. Nonetheless, production was limited to only around 30,000 in the diminutive .28 caliber in 1855-1861 and another 14,000 in .31 caliber in 1860-1870 compared to over 300,000 of the larger Model 1849 Pocket revolvers. Given their attractive and distinctive style, multiple variations, and rarity, these revolvers are highly sought after by collectors today, and case pairs like this are nearly unheard of. This very fine pair of Model 1855 Pocket revolvers manufactured in 1855 and 1856 respectively were featured on the cover of the March 2009 issue of "The Gun Report" (see page 14 for the article). They come in a one-of-a-kind double rosewood partitioned period case for "Roots" built with 4 1/2 inch or 3 1/2 inch barrels. Front sight rub marks on the lining suggest that only 3 1/2 inch variations have been in the case, and both of these revolvers have 3 1/2 inch barrels. The underside of the case retains portions of a J. G. Bolen of New York paper advertisement with part of a picture of an Allen pepperbox revolver visible. The case has a special compartment at the front for an "L" wrench/screwdriver, which is included and has the correct "long arm" for easy retrieval. The case also contains a correct double sided eagle pocket powder flask, "COLTS/PATENT" marked two cavity bullet mold, unopened Eley Brothers cap tin, sealed package of combustible envelope cartridges, lead balls and bullets, and case key. The revolvers have the Model 2 Sidehammer features which include full octagon barrel, five-shot cylinder roll engraved with the cabin and Indian scene and Hartford barrel address with the pointing hand motif. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, barrel and cylinder. Each revolver has a checkered grip but "B" has checkering that extends to the bottom.

Excellent. The revolver retains 85% plus original blue finish with the balance thinning to a brown and high edge wear. 80% of the original case colors remain on the hammer and loading lever. Nearly all of the cylinder scene remains. The grip is very fine with typical hairline age cracks and a very tiny chip missing near the bottom. The checkering is crisp. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine showing minor handling/storage marks and high spot wear on the faded lining.

As described in "A."

Excellent. The revolver retains nearly 95% original blue finish showing some thinning to a brown and high edge wear. Half of original case colors remain on the hammer and loading lever. Nearly all of the cylinder scene remains. The grip is very fine with a vertical hairline age crack in the front of grip and a tiny missing surface chip near the bottom. The checkering is crisp overall. Mechanically excellent. This is a beautiful and extremely rare double cased set of classic Colt Model 1855 Pocket revolvers complete with matching checkered grips and multiple accessories.