Lot 1140

Cased Engraved Colt 1855 "Root" Pocket Revolver with Ivory Grip

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Cased Engraved Colt 1855 "Root" Pocket Revolver with Ivory Grip

Estimate: $25,000 - $40,000

Starting Bid: $20,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable and Exceptionally Rare Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1855 "Root" 7A Pocket Percussion Revolver with Checkered Ivory Grip This remarkable revolver was manufactured in 1867 in the Model 7A configuration in .31 caliber with 4 1/2 inch round barrel marked with the "ADDRESS COL. COLT/NEW-YORK U.S.A." address on top at the breech, Navy type loading lever latch, stagecoach hold-up cylinder scene, and a screw on the side towards the rear securing the pin. Only around 2,925 Model 7 (3 1/2 inch barrel) and 7A (4 1/2 inch barrel) revolvers were manufactured in approximately the 11075-14000 serial number range towards the end of Model 1855 "Root" revolver production per R. L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms." Wilson also noted: "The Model 7A is seldom encountered." Factory engraved Model 7As with checkered ivory grips, cases, and accessories are naturally considerably less often encountered and rarely become available. This revolver was purchased by Greg Lampe from Herb Glass Jr. and had previously been in Herb Glass Sr.'s collection and certainly ranks among the very finest and most desirable of all Model 7A revolvers extant. The factory "IE" designation is marked by the serial number on the butt confirming the factory engraving and ivory grip, and the matching serial number "11273" is marked on the bottom of the two-stage barrel which features an engraved border at the muzzle, a brass post front sight, and late percussion vine scroll engraving on the breech section flanking the barrel address. The beautiful flowing vine scroll factory engraving continues onto the frame and hammer. The cylinder has the noted stagecoach cylinder scene and has a blank serial number panel. The revolver has a casehardened loading lever and hammer and a blued barrel, cylinder and frame. The mahogany case has hunter green lining, three cartridge packs, an Eley Bros. cap tin, "COLTS/PATENT" marked Great Seal of the U.S. themed pocket flask, L-shaped combination tool, "31 PKT." marked blued bullet mold, bullets, and key.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1855 Root Pocket

BBL: 4 1/2 inch round

Gauge: .31

Finish: blue

Grips: ivory

Serial Number11273

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Herb Glass Sr. Collection; The Herb Glass Jr. Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection
  • Condition: Exceptionally fine. The revolver appears to be unfired and to have been protected in its case and minimally handled for nearly 160 years! It displays crisp engraving and markings, 85% plus original blue and casehardened finish, and minimal light flaking and handling wear. The grip is fine and has some minor age cracks, small chips, and a spliced repair on the right heel. Mechanically functions. The case and accessories are very fine with minimal light age and storage related wear, dent in the wood keyhole escutcheon, most of the original blue finish on the mold and combination tool, nearly all of the original finish on the flask. The is a beautiful example of one of the rarest variations of Colt's distinctive Model 1855 "Root" revolver.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000